How to clean and prepare dentures

Cleaning dentures

Cleaning dentures is like cleaning natural teeth. You’ll need to brush the dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Gently work your way around the upper and lower arches as you would typically do.

Avoid using toothpaste to clean your dentures, as toothpaste is not suitable for dentures and can damage their appearance. Instead, use a denture cleaner specifically designed not to harm the surface of the dentures.

How to clean off dental adhesive?

Dental adhesive, also known as fixed dental adhesive, can sometimes be needed to hold the dentures in place by sealing the gap between the remaining teeth or gums and the dentures. When applying adhesive to secure your dentures, ensure that it is removed at the end of the day.

If your dentures feel tightly adhered and you want to loosen the adhesive, rinsing with warm salt water for around 30 seconds can help. Spit out the salt water and any remaining adhesive, repeating the process until the residue is gone.

Once your denture is removed, you may notice some excess adhesive remaining. Gently brush the remaining product away.

Storing your dentures

If dentures are improperly stored, they can dry out and warp, which would result in a poor fit. To store them overnight, you can either:

• Store your dentures in water: If you don’t have a denture cleaning solution on hand, storing dentures in water is ideal. Ensure the dentures are fully submerged.
• Store your dentures in a cleaning solution: Follow the same process as with water by filling your container so that the dentures are covered by the solution.

Avoid placing your dentures in hot or boiling water, as this will likely warp the material your dentures are made from.

Preparing to put your dentures in

Before inserting your dentures in the morning, make sure to give them a quick rinse, especially if they have been soaked in a cleaning solution overnight, as it may leave behind harsh chemicals.

Before handling your dentures, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring bacteria into your mouth.

If you require support to keep your dentures in place, apply the dental adhesive as necessary. Once the adhesive is applied, gently position the dentures and bite down to ensure they are secured to the gums.