Guide
How to care for dentures
A few minutes a day keeps dentures clean, comfortable and lasting longer — and keeps your gums healthy underneath.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated
Every day
- Take your dentures out and rinse them after meals
- Brush them once a day with a soft brush and a denture cleaner
- Clean them over a folded towel or a sink of water, so they won't break if you drop them
- Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush
- Brush and floss any natural teeth you still have
At night
Unless we've told you otherwise, take your dentures out at night. Keep them in water or a denture soaking solution so they don't dry out and change shape, and rinse them well before putting them back in.
What to avoid
- Hot or boiling water, which can warp them
- Bleach and whitening toothpastes, which can weaken and scratch them
- Hard-bristled brushes and regular toothpaste, which wear the surface
- Home repair kits and glue
Partial dentures
Clean the clasps carefully, and pay extra attention to the natural teeth they hold onto — food trapped there can lead to decay.
Checkups
Keep your regular visits, even if you have no natural teeth. We check the fit of your dentures, look at your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, and polish away stains. Denture relines and repairs lists the signs a denture needs attention.
FAQs
Can I clean my dentures with toothpaste?
What if my dentures smell?
How do I remove stains?
Related
Start with a conversation.
Tell us what's going on, in English or Spanish. We'll take it from there.