Denture Care Resources
Denture Care Guide: Cleaning, Storage & Daily Care
Proper daily denture care helps keep your appliance clean, comfortable and functioning properly. Follow these practical cleaning and maintenance tips from Nova Denture Clinic in Kingston, Ontario, along with any personalized instructions provided for your specific denture.
The Daily Routine
- Rinse your denture after meals to remove loose food particles.
- Remove and clean the denture twice daily using a soft denture brush and mild liquid soap or a non-abrasive cleaner made for dentures.
- Do not use regular toothpaste on dentures because it can scratch the surface.
- Clean over a folded towel or a sink partially filled with water to reduce the risk of breakage if the denture is dropped.
- Gently clean your gums, tongue and palate with a soft toothbrush. Brush remaining natural teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
- Rinse the denture thoroughly before placing it back in your mouth.
What to Avoid
- Hot or boiling water, which may distort the denture
- Regular toothpaste and abrasive cleaning products
- Household glue or do-it-yourself denture repairs
- Bending or adjusting denture clasps yourself
- Bleach or household cleaners unless specifically recommended for your appliance
- Leaving dentures where children or pets can reach them
Removing and Storing Dentures Overnight
Unless your denturist or extracting dental provider instructs otherwise, remove removable dentures overnight to give the supporting tissues time to rest.
After cleaning, store the denture according to the instructions provided for that particular appliance. Some dentures may be stored dry, while certain materials or soft liners may require water or a recommended soaking solution. Never use hot water.
Immediate-denture patients should follow their personalized post-extraction instructions, which may require the denture to remain in place during the initial healing period.
Adapting to New Dentures
New dentures may temporarily affect speech, chewing, salivation and comfort. Begin with softer foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides when possible. Reading aloud can help with speech adaptation.
Minor pressure areas may require professional adjustments. Do not grind or alter the denture yourself. Contact Nova Denture Clinic if discomfort persists or prevents normal denture use.
Care for Different Denture Types
When to Contact the Clinic
Contact Nova Denture Clinic for an assessment if you notice:
- Persistent pain, sore areas or ulceration
- A loose, rocking or clicking denture
- Difficulty eating or speaking
- A cracked denture or broken tooth
- A damaged clasp or implant attachment
- Persistent odour or staining after cleaning
- Unexplained swelling or bleeding
- A red, white or unusual area that does not heal
Regular oral examinations remain important even when a patient has no natural teeth. The mouth, supporting tissues, denture fit and appliance condition can change over time. If a problem is found, a denture repair, reline or adjustment is often all that is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your Dentures?
If your denture is uncomfortable, loose or damaged, schedule an assessment before attempting adjustments or repairs at home.