How to clean dentures the right way, every day

The daily routine, in short

Take your dentures out once a day. Clean them with a soft denture brush and denture cleanser or mild soap. Soak them overnight in water or denture solution. In the morning, rinse them well before you put them in.

That is the basic routine Cleveland Clinic describes: remove the dentures once a day, clean them with a denture brush and paste, and soak them overnight in denture solution. Also brush your gums, tongue, inner cheeks and the roof of your mouth twice a day.

It takes a few minutes. It keeps your dentures fresh and your mouth healthy.

Do not let the denture dry out between cleanings. And do not skip days because it feels like a chore. Plaque builds up quickly, and it hardens into tartar that is difficult to remove at home.

Set a time that works for you, such as right before bed, and make it a habit. People who clean their dentures at the same time every day are far less likely to skip it.

Step by step

If you find hard white or yellow deposits on your denture that a brush cannot remove, that is tartar. Do not scrape it. Your dentist can clean it with professional tools without scratching the surface.

Clean your denture case as well. Rinse it and let it dry each day, and replace it every few months. A dirty case puts germs right back on the clean denture.

Take your time with partials. The clasps and small gaps can hold food and plaque.

Here is a simple way to do it:

• Stand over a sink with a folded towel or some water in it, so a drop will not break the denture.
• Rinse the denture to remove loose food.
• Brush all sides with a soft denture brush and a denture cleanser or mild hand soap.
• Clean the part that touches your gums and, for partials, around the clasps.
• Rinse well.
• Soak the denture in water or denture solution overnight, following the label.
• Rinse again before you put it back in.

What to use, and what to skip

Denture tablets and cleansers help with stains and germs, but they do not replace brushing. Follow the label for how long to soak. A longer soak is not better, and some products can harm metal parts if you leave them too long.

Some people like to make a homemade soak with vinegar or baking soda. These can be mild, but they are not proven to kill germs as well as a denture cleanser, and vinegar can damage some materials if used too often. Ask your dentist what is safe for your type of denture.

Scratches matter. They look small, but they hold stains and germs. A soft brush and a gentle cleanser protect the surface.

Use products made for dentures. Here is a quick guide:

• Use: a soft denture brush, denture cleanser, mild soap, a denture case
• Skip regular toothpaste, which can be too gritty and scratch the surface
• Skip bleach, unless your dentist tells you to use a diluted amount, since it can fade the denture and damage metal parts on partials
• Skip hot or boiling water, which can warp the denture
• Skip hard-bristle brushes, which scratch the plastic and leave tiny places for bacteria

Do not forget your mouth

A clean denture in a dirty mouth does not help much. Cleveland Clinic advises brushing your gums, tongue, inner cheeks and palate twice a day, along with any natural teeth you still have.

Use a soft toothbrush. This removes plaque, wakes up the gum tissue and helps prevent sore, red spots and bad breath.

If you have a partial denture, your remaining teeth need the same care as ever. Brush and floss them well. They are the teeth that hold your partial in place, so you want to keep them healthy.

If your mouth feels dry, sip water through the day and ask your dentist about products for dry mouth. Dry tissue gets irritated more easily under a denture.

Look in the mirror once a week. Check your gums for redness, white patches or sores, and look at your tongue and cheeks. Catching a change early gives your dentist more options.

Should you sleep in your dentures?

Most people should not. Cleveland Clinic says most people sleep without dentures. It advises taking them out for at least eight hours a day, because this rests your gums, reduces harmful bacteria and helps protect your jawbone.

There are exceptions. After a new denture or an immediate denture, your dentist may ask you to keep it in for the first day or two. Follow your dentist's directions.

Wearing dentures around the clock can lead to a yeast infection called denture stomatitis. It shows up as red, sore gums under the denture. If you see it, call your dentist.

Another good habit is to give your gums a gentle massage with a clean finger or soft brush when the denture is out. It improves blood flow and lets you feel any spots that look or feel different.

Storing dentures

When your dentures are out, keep them moist. Dentures that dry out can lose their shape.

Use a clean denture case with water or denture solution. Keep it where children and pets cannot reach it. Many dentures get lost or chewed by pets, so keep them in a safe place.

Do not wrap dentures in a tissue or napkin. This is the number one way they end up in the trash.

Put a towel in the sink every time you handle your dentures. It is one of the cheapest ways to avoid a break. A cracked denture can mean a repair bill and days without it.

If you travel, pack a spare denture case and a small travel brush. Dentures that go missing in a hotel are more common than you think.

Clean fixed implant dentures differently

If you have a snap-on denture on implants, you clean it much like a regular one. You take it out, brush it and soak it overnight. You also clean the implants and the gum around them with a soft brush.

If you have a fixed denture on implants, a dentist is the only one who can take it out. Cleveland Clinic says these need more thorough daily cleaning, including flossing underneath. Ask your dentist to show you the best tools, such as floss threaders, small brushes or a water flosser.

Regular checkups and professional cleanings keep implants healthy for the long term.

If your implant denture has small attachments inside, ask how often they should be replaced. These parts wear out and are part of regular care.

Call your dentist if the denture feels rough, looks stained or has a smell that cleaning does not remove. These are signs it may need a professional cleaning or a closer look.

Denture care at KDA

Even with great home care, dentures need a checkup. Your dentist looks at the fit, the wear and your gums, and your mouth gets a check for sores and other problems. Kendall Dental Associates is at 8833 SW 107th Ave in the Kendall Mall, Miami, and we have served South Florida since 1973.

Call 305-271-1421. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We accept most dental insurances and most Medicare supplemental plans, and financing is available. In a dental emergency, our line is open 24/7.

Common questions

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: my.clevelandclinic.org, my.clevelandclinic.org.