Denture Care
How to Clean and Store Removable Dentures
Clean your denture daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner over a sink of water, soak it overnight in a denture solution or water, and never use hot water, regular toothpaste or bleach. A consistent routine keeps the denture fresh, protects your gums, and helps it last.
A simple daily routine
Rinse the denture after every meal when you can. Once a day, brush it thoroughly with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner or mild hand soap. Brush over a folded towel or a sink partly filled with water so it does not break if you drop it — drops are the number one cause of fractures.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush or a damp cloth before reinserting the denture. This stimulates circulation and removes plaque that causes odour and gum irritation.
What to avoid
Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for denture acrylic and creates micro-scratches that trap stains and bacteria. Hot or boiling water warps the denture out of shape. Bleach and harsh household cleaners discolour the acrylic and the pink base, and can damage metal clasps on partials.
Whitening toothpastes do not whiten denture teeth and their abrasiveness dulls the surface. If denture teeth have stained, bring the denture in for professional cleaning rather than scrubbing harder at home.
Overnight storage
Dentures should generally be removed at night to give your gums a rest and let saliva bathe the tissues. Soak the denture overnight in a denture-soaking solution or in plain water so it does not dry out — drying out makes acrylic brittle and prone to cracking.
If you use a soaking tablet, rinse the denture thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth. Follow the product instructions for how long to soak, and change the solution daily.
When to take your denture out
Removing your denture for at least several hours overnight is recommended for most wearers. If you have a specific reason to wear it overnight, discuss it with us so we can advise based on your situation.
Common Patient Questions
Can I sleep in my dentures?
Most people should remove dentures overnight to rest the gums. If you have a reason to wear yours at night, talk to us so we can advise based on your situation rather than guessing.
Can I use regular toothpaste?
No. Toothpaste is too abrasive for denture acrylic and creates scratches that trap stains. Use a denture cleaner or mild soap with a soft denture brush.
Should I soak my denture in hot water?
Never use hot or boiling water — it can warp the acrylic and ruin the fit. Use cool or lukewarm water for soaking and rinsing.
Related Nova Service
Denture Care Guide
Learn more about this treatment, including the process, aftercare and coverage, on the dedicated service page.
Visit the Denture Care Guide pageRelated Articles
This article is general information only and does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or treatment plan. Your situation is unique — please book a consultation so we can assess your mouth and advise you in person.
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