Here's How to Keep Your Dentures Clean

If you’re considering dentures, you’re in good company. An estimated 42 million Americans used dentures in 2024 alone.

When you get dentures here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in New York City, Dr. David Blaustein and our team review how to care for your dentures to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile.

Here are some general guidelines for cleaning your dentures.

1. Rinse your mouth after meals

After you eat, drink water to rinse your mouth. That removes stain-inducing food particles, flushes out bacteria, and helps to freshen your breath.

You can also remove and rinse your dentures under lukewarm water; hot water can warp dentures. 

Rinsing your dentures after eating can help remove bits of food (like seeds) that could otherwise irritate your gums if they become trapped between your gums and dentures.

2. Brush your dentures daily

Brushing your dentures is like brushing your teeth with different supplies. To brush your dentures, you need:

• Denture cream (not toothpaste)
• A soft, large nylon denture brush (not a toothbrush) 

Apply denture cream to your nylon brush and gently brush all sides of your dentures, inside and out. After brushing your dentures thoroughly (about 2-3 minutes), rinse them well. Now is a good time to inspect your dentures for signs of damage.

Resist the temptation to use regular toothpaste for your dentures. Regular toothpaste is formulated for natural enamel; it’s too abrasive for dentures and can damage them. Dentures roughened up by too much abrasion are more likely to stain.

3. Soak your dentures overnight

You shouldn’t wear your dentures 24/7. Soaking your dentures overnight gives your mouth a break. It also helps your dentures maintain their shape. Never store them dry.

Soaking solutions provide an advantage over soaking in plain water. Soaking solutions, tablets, and effervescent cleansers can help remove the bacterial load on your dentures. 

Regardless of which type of denture cleaning product you choose, make sure it’s appropriate for your type of dentures and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: This step doesn’t apply to implant-retained dentures, which are removed only during denture maintenance visits. 

4. Clean your mouth too

Once you’ve cleaned your dentures, it’s time to clean your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and remaining natural teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and regular toothpaste to remove plaque. 

Removing plaque from natural teeth can reduce your risk of bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. 

You might also consider tongue scraping. This centuries-old practice removes odor-causing bacteria from your tongue. Clean your tongue scraper after each use.

Ill-fitting dentures can increase your risk of mouth sores; inspect your mouth for any sores. 

5. Avoid harsh chemicals

Never soak your dentures in anything except for products specifically designed for the purpose. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Approval, or Dr. Blaustein can recommend products based on the type of dentures you have.

6. Schedule your annual denture maintenance exam

Even if you don’t have any remaining natural teeth, keep regular appointments here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics. During your annual denture maintenance exam, Dr. Blausetin can:

• Review your at-home oral care routine and make recommendations
• Check for bone or tissue changes that could affect the fit of your dentures
• Clean and polish your dentures
• Conduct an oral cancer screening for signs of precancerous or cancerous lesions 

If you have bite issues or speech impediments from an ill-fitting denture, Dr. Blaustein can recommend next steps. Traditional dentures should have a hard reline every two years.

To get started with comprehensive denture care in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, call 917-200-0219 or request an appointment online today.