Daily Denture Care Instructions
Here are the key steps to clean your dentures daily to prevent plaque buildup, stains, and bad breath.
- Rinse after eating
After every meal, take out your dentures and rinse them with cold water. This helps remove food pieces and keeps them from staining or smelling. You can also swish with water to cleanse your gums and the inside of your mouth before putting your dentures back in. - Brush your dentures every day
Use a soft denture brush and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner like mild soap and water.
Avoid using regular toothpaste! It can be too harsh and may scratch your dentures. - Soak overnight
Removing your dentures at night allows your gums to rest and prevents bacteria from building up. This helps prevent sore spots and reduces the risk of infection and gum irritation.Before bed, brush your dentures and then place them in a cup of cold water with a denture cleanser like Polident.
- Store in cold water
Whenever your dentures are not in your mouth, keep them in cold water to prevent them from drying out or changing shape. - Rinse before putting them back in
In the morning, rinse your dentures well with water before placing them back in your mouth.
Denture Care If You Use Adhesives
In some cases, you will need to use denture adhesives to help keep your dentures stable. Here are some tips for how to use denture adhesives.
- Use only a small amount of adhesive.
- Always clean and dry your dentures before applying the adhesive.
- Remove leftover adhesive daily by soaking your dentures overnight in water or cleaning solution.
What Not to Do When Caring for Your Dentures
- Don’t use hot water — it can warp your dentures.
- Don’t try to fix or adjust dentures yourself — always see your dentist.
- Don’t use home reliner kits — these can harm your gums and cause a poor fit.
- Don’t keep wearing dentures if they hurt — sore spots mean something needs adjusting.
- Don’t drop them — carry dentures with both hands, especially over hard flooring.
At a Glance: Denture Care Dos and Don’ts
DO:
- Clean your dentures every day
- Take them out at night
- Use cold water for rinsing and soaking
- Come in for regular check-ups (at least once a year)
- Let your dentist know if your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable
DON’T:
- Sleep with your dentures in
- Use toothpaste or bleach on your dentures
- Skip your dental visits
- Ignore sore spots or changes in fit
- Use too much adhesive
Getting the Most Out of Your Dentures
Your mouth can change over time. That means your dentures might need to be adjusted, relined, or even replaced. Regular check-ups with our team at Fort Washington Dental Associates will help keep your dentures fitting comfortably and working well.
