Caring for Your Dentures

Get the dos and don'ts of proper denture upkeep.

How to Take Care of Dentures

Full or partial dentures are a major investment in your oral health and self-esteem. And, like any investment, careful maintenance will help them last, on average, 7 to 10 years.
Here are some easy tips for taking care of your dentures:

Do:

Handle your dentures carefully. Pay close attention to the plastic and the clasps while cleaning. Place a towel below your hands when handling and cleaning in case you drop them.
Remove and rinse after eating. Simply rinse with water to remove any food particles.

Brush your dentures at least once per day. Even better: brushing them once in the morning and in the evening. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner along with a soft-bristle brush to clean any food particles. And if you use a dental adhesive, be sure to clean the grooves where your gums fit into the dentures. Always avoid using denture cleaners inside your mouth.

Soak your dentures overnight. Most dentures are designed to stay moist to retain their shape. Typically, water is good enough, but you could also use a milder denture soaking solution too.

Thoroughly rinse your dentures before putting them in your mouth.

Always check the fit of your dentures. If they become loose, call your dentist. A loose denture can cause sores and infection. And if you develop sores, it's a sign that your fit may be off.

Clean your mouth after removing your dentures. For your natural teeth, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gauze to clean your gums.

Do NOT:

Use hot water that can warp the shape of your dentures.

Use whitening toothpastes and bleach.

Use abrasive cleaning materials like hard-bristle brushes, strong toothpaste and hard cleansers. Denture-specific cleaners are more than enough to maintain your dentures.

Key takeaway:

With careful cleaning and handling, your dentures will help you deliver smiles year after year. Remember: always speak with your dentist about any questions related to your dentures. If you're curious about the costs of dental care, be sure to use the Dental Care Pricing Tool to get out-of-pocket cost estimates based on your ZIP Code.