Advice on Denture Cleaning

How often should I clean my dentures?

It is important to treat your dentures as you would treat your natural teeth. They should be kept as clean as possible to prevent inflamed gums, bacterial and fungal infections or further tooth loss, We usually recommend that you clean your dentures as you would your natural teeth, twice a day, and after eating when necessary.

How should I clean my dentures?

The general rule is: brush, soak, brush.

Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.

What should I use to clean my dentures?

There are many different denture-cleaning products. However, we recommend a small-to-medium headed toothbrush to reach into awkward corners, or a soft nailbrush and ordinary soap. Soaking solutions can often help remove staining and bacteria. We do not recommend that you use these solutions overnight as they would be too harsh and may damage the denture material.

Is there anything I should avoid?

It is important not to use any type of bleaching product, or very hot water to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the denture and will damage its appearance.

What should I do if I have a soft lining?

Some people have sensitive gums and may need a softer lining made for their dentures. If you have one of these special linings, we provide individual aftercare advice to make sure you are aware of what cleaning products or fixatives you can use.

What if I have a metal denture?

Some commercial cleaning products can damage metal dentures, so if you have them, it is important to discuss cleaning options with us, or with your own dentist.. If your denture has clasps, you need to take particular care when cleaning.

Are there any special products I should use?

There are some specialist products available for cleaning your dentures, including special brushes, cleaning pastes and soaking solutions. However, you should use these carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are not sure which products to use, ask us, or your own dentist.

Should I remove my dentures at night?

We recommend removing your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. However, we appreciate that you may not wish to do so. In this case, cleaning routines are especially important to keep your mouth healthy. If you remove your dentures, it is important to leave them in water to prevent any warping or cracking.

Can my dentist clean my dentures?

Some people build up tartar on their dentures just as they would on their natural teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can react with your saliva and harden into tartar. As with your own teeth, you will not be able to remove this tartar completely yourself and eventually it can make the denture uncomfortable and unsightly. At the Wessex Dental Specialist Centre, we can remove this tartar in our laboratory using a professional cleaning machine, or you can consult with your dentist.

My dentures are stained, what can I do?

Like natural teeth, dentures can pick up staining every day. This is especially true if you smoke or drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine. In most cases you should be able to remove this staining with regular cleaning. However, more stubborn stains may take a little more cleaning, and we are happy to provide advice to help you.