Dentures are meant to take the place of a person’s natural teeth to allow proper chewing to maintain adequate nutrition and psychological aid to preserve appearance. Dentures that do not fit properly or hurt the mouth are not useful for chewing and could lead to denture-related problems in the mouth. Therefore proper care is needed to keep dentures fitting properly and comfortably and it is your own responsibility to do so.

How often do I need to clean my dentures?

All removable dentures and appliances should be carefully cleaned daily and rinsed following a meal or as needed.

How do I clean my dentures?

Instructions for denture cleaning

1)      Rinse your denture after each meal to remove soft debris and food trapped between gums and denture. This helps to prevent discomfort and prevent bacteria from proliferating.

2)      Brush all surfaces of your denture once a day, preferably before bedtime, using a denture brush or a soft toothbrush (note: firm bristles can damage the acrylic denture material).

3)      Then place the denture in a denture cleaning solution for a few hours or soaked overnight in a denture cup filled with lukewarm water to prevent denture from warping or cracking.

4)      Remove your denture from the solution and brush it thoroughly. Brush your denture over a sink lined with a washcloth and half-filled with water to prevent damage if dropped. Hold your denture securely with one hand and the brush with the other hand. Plain water, mild soap or sodium bicarbonate may be used. Toothpaste should not be used for it contains abrasive materials that can damage the denture.

5)      Rinse denture thoroughly after brushing and insert into your mouth.

Should I remove my dentures before I sleep?

Dentures must be worn constantly during the day and preferably removed at bedtime and replaced in the morning to allow relief of compression of the gums. If you prefer to sleep with your denture in place, remove them at least 4 hours during the day and clean them following instructions.

What should I use to clean my dentures?

There are many dentures cleaning products available in the market including dentures cleaning tablets and solutions. Basically you need a denture brush, which could clean more efficiently compared to a soft toothbrush, and solution to clean the denture.

A soft brush should be used to clean the tissues covered by the denture (gums, palate) to stimulate blood circulation in the area.

How do I clean stained dentures?

Dentures can pick up stains like natural teeth therefore meticulous cleaning is needed to remove plaque and soft debris. Stubborn stains, tartar and calculus however can prove difficult to remove so you should ask your dentist to help you remove them.

Are there any homemade remedies for cleaning dentures?

Baking soda can be used to clean your denture. You can also make your own soaking solution using 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of bleach (not for partial dentures) and 2 teaspoons of anticorrosive agents. When calculus is heavy, a solution with 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar is used once a week. Diluted hydrogen peroxide can also be used to remove calculus and stubborn stains but be forewarned that it can weaken your denture in the process.

How do I make my dentures last?

How to care for your denture

1)      When you are not wearing your dentures, store them in a denture cup filled with lukewarm water or denture solution to prevent the dentures from drying out as well as warping or cracking.

2)      Place the denture cup in a secure place where it would not be easily knocked over.

3)      Rinse denture using only with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage and whiten denture.

4)      Never soak partial dentures in bleach for it can corrode the metal components.

5)      You should never try to readjust or realign your denture by yourself. Seek your dentist if you feel your denture is not properly fitted.

6)      Never use abrasive powders, regular toothpaste or hard toothbrush to clean your denture.

7)      Never soak your denture in alcoholic solution like mouthwash.

8)      Always rinse your mouth with water and wet your denture before placing it in your mouth. It is difficult to place the denture when the mouth is dry and the moisture helps to create suction needed to hold denture in place.

Do I still need to visit the dentist?

Dentures should be checked once a year by your dentist. Be forewarned that self repair, reline or adjustments can harm your denture or soft tissues in your mouth. Therefore it is advised to occasionally service or readjust your denture at your dentist for there can be normal changes in your supporting bone and tissues (increased tooth mobility and accelerating bone loss).