How to Take Care of Dentures: Your Complete Guide
- Dr. Bryant Anderson
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Dentures can help you feel confident smiling and restore your ability to eat comfortably. As great as dentures can be, they need TLC to keep them looking great and fitting well. At Anderson Family Dental, we’re here to help you take great care of your dentures so you can keep enjoying a beautiful, comfortable smile for as long as possible.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to care for your dentures each day, plus helpful tips on stain removal, adhesive use, and what to avoid. And of course, our team is always here to answer any questions and support your long-term oral health so you can keep living life to the fullest!
HOW TO CLEAN DENTURES
Keeping your dentures clean is essential for your comfort, appearance, and oral health. Without a great care routine, your dentures can collect food, debris, bacteria, plaque, tartar, and stains. This can cause them to look dingy and discolored, create unpleasant odors, and even lead to irritation and infections.
There are several different types of dentures, so it’s important to stick to any specific instructions your dentist provides. These essentials will keep most types of dentures clean and fresh.
1. Rinse After Eating
After meals or snacks, remove your dentures and rinse them under cool or lukewarm water. This quick rinse helps clear away food particles and prevents buildup that can lead to staining or bad breath.
On the go? If you’re not able to remove and rinse your dentures right away, sipping or swishing with water can help keep things fresh until you’re home.
2. Brush Your Dentures Daily
A gentle daily brushing keeps your dentures looking and feeling their best. Here's how to do it safely:
To reduce the risk of breaking your dentures by dropping them while brushing, you can fill the sink with water or lay down a plush towel in the basin to give them a soft place to land.
Use a soft-bristled brush or a brush made specifically for dentures.
Clean all surfaces of your denture, including the areas that rest against your gums and the small creases between your denture teeth.
Choose a non-abrasive cleanser or mild soap.
Never use regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
Skip baking soda, bleach, or household cleaners, which can weaken, damage, or discolor the material.
If you have any questions about cleaning your dentures at home, don’t hesitate to contact our team about how to take care of your dentures in Winter Park, FL! You can always bring your brush and any questions with you to regular check-ups so we can review best techniques.
3. Clean Your Mouth Thoroughly Every Day
When you remove your dentures, don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. You can use a soft toothbrush or a damp washcloth to gently wipe these areas clean. Be sure to sweep out the vestibules where your lips connect to your gums, where food and bacteria can get trapped, especially if you have dry mouth.
Keeping your mouth clean, even without natural teeth, reduces the risk of gum irritation, helps your breath stay fresh, and promotes better overall oral health.
4. Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Dentures need moisture to stay in good shape, so it’s important to soak them every night. This also helps loosen any plaque or bacteria that may be missed during brushing.
You can soak them in plain water or in a denture cleaning solution. Just remember:
Only use cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can warp your dentures and affect their fit.
Never use harsh chemicals or bleach-based products unless specifically recommended by your dentist.
Letting your gums rest overnight without dentures also gives your mouth time to recover from the pressure of wearing them all day. This helps to prevent ulcers and sores from developing.
Can You Soak Dentures in Mouthwash?
Stick to water or a specialized denture soak product. If your dentures need a quick refresh, you can wipe them down with a gentle, alcohol-free mouth rinse. However, you should not soak dentures in mouthwash overnight.
Many mouth rinses contain alcohol, which can damage the acrylic of your denture and take away its shine, making it look dull and making it more prone to buildup. The blue and green dyes in mouthwash can also discolor your denture.
5. Rinse Before Putting Dentures Back In
In the morning, take your dentures out of the soaking solution and rinse them well with clean water. Any leftover cleanser could irritate your mouth or upset your stomach, so don’t skip this step!
You may also want to rinse your mouth before setting your dentures back in place.
SPECIAL CARE FOR PARTIAL DENTURES
In general, caring for your partial denture is the same as caring for a complete denture. However, partial dentures that clip onto natural teeth need a bit of extra attention. Be especially careful when brushing around the metal clasps or attachments, as debris buildup here can lead to cavities or gum issues on the supporting teeth.
If your partial feels uncomfortable or shifts while chewing, it may need to be adjusted. Don’t wait! An ill-fitting partial can cause sore spots or even damage your remaining teeth.
HOW DO YOU GET STAINS OUT OF DENTURES?
Over time, certain foods, drinks, or habits can discolor your dentures. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are common culprits. Here’s how to keep your smile bright:
Use a denture soak designed to lift stains.
Try soaking your dentures in a solution of half white vinegar and half water once a week.
Schedule regular professional cleanings for a deeper refresh.
Remember, avoid using bleach, baking soda, or whitening toothpaste, which can harm your dentures and won’t necessarily improve the color. Likewise, don’t soak your dentures in hydrogen peroxide unless specifically recommended. Improperly diluted hydrogen peroxide can damage your dentures!
DENTURE CARE MISTAKES TO AVOID
Proper care helps to extend the life of your dentures and keep your mouth healthy. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Don’t use regular toothpaste, bleach, household cleaners, or abrasive agents.
Don’t soak in hot water, which can warp your dentures and change their shape.
Don’t sleep in your dentures.
Don’t skip daily cleaning.
Never try to adjust or repair your dentures at home.
Don’t ignore discomfort, pressure spots, or changes in fit.
If something feels off, get in touch with our team! A quick adjustment can make a big difference.
TIPS FOR USING DENTURE ADHESIVE
As your jawbone changes over time, you may need adhesive to help keep your dentures secure. If you’re using adhesive, here are some best practices:
Start with a small amount. Using more doesn’t mean better hold.
Always clean and dry your dentures before applying adhesive.
Remove old adhesive daily by soaking and gently brushing.
Never apply adhesive to irritated areas or open sores.
If you have a soft reline, check with your dentist before using soaking products, as some cleansers can damage soft materials.
Still struggling with loose dentures? You might benefit from a reline, adjustment, or a more stable option like implant-supported dentures.
DENTURE CARE AT A GLANCE
Here’s a quick summary of what to do (and not do):
DO:
Rinse dentures after meals
Brush daily with a soft brush
Soak overnight
Clean your gums and mouth
Use only approved denture products
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments
DON’T:
Use toothpaste or abrasive cleansers
Soak in hot water
Sleep with dentures in
Overuse adhesive
Attempt DIY repairs
Skip oral hygiene
KEEP YOUR SMILE LOOKING AND FEELING GREAT WITH HELP FROM OUR TEAM!
We understand how overwhelming it can be to lose teeth, and we’re here to help rebuild your smile and restore your oral health. Whether you're wearing dentures for the first time or have had them for years, keeping them clean and comfortable is key to enjoying your daily life. From showing you the right way to brush to helping you decide when it’s time for a replacement, our dental team is here to guide you on getting the most from your dentures in Winter Park, FL.
Looking for affordable dentures, denture cleaning tips, or professional relines? We’re happy to help with personalized care that fits your needs and budget. Get in touch to learn more about getting the most out of your dentures with a little daily TLC!
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE
