How to Clean Your Dentures
Plain-language patient handout — print and hand out during consultations or care visits.
Bacteria stick to dentures within minutes. If not cleaned daily, this hardens into plaque, which can only be removed by your prosthetist. It can cause bad breath, sore gums, and mouth infections. Daily cleaning keeps bacteria low and your mouth healthy.
Take your dentures out and rinse them under warm (not hot) water to wash away food.
Use a denture brush with denture cleaner or mild dish soap. Do not use regular toothpaste — it is too rough and will scratch your dentures.
Gently brush the inside, outside, and biting surfaces. Pay extra attention to the part that sits on your gums, and any clips.
Rinse your dentures well under warm water to remove all soap or cleaner before putting them back in.
Give your gums a rest by removing your dentures overnight. Store them in a lidded container — never wrap them in a tissue or leave them on a bedside table.
Before putting your dentures back in, gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush.
An ultrasonic cleaner uses sound waves to clean dentures without brushing. This can be helpful if you have arthritis or weak hands. Ask your prosthetist if one is right for you.
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