Clean your dentures every day, just like natural teeth
Dentures need daily cleaning to remove food, plaque, and bacteria. The best time to clean them is right after eating and before bed. Start by rinsing them under lukewarm running water to loosen debris, then use a soft-bristled denture brush or regular soft toothbrush to scrub all surfaces — the top, bottom, and the side that touches your gums.
Use a denture cleaner made specifically for dentures, not regular toothpaste. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch the surface. Denture cleaners come as tablets you dissolve in water, creams, or pastes. Follow the product instructions for how long to soak or brush. Many people soak their dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution, which loosens stubborn buildup while you sleep.
If you wear partial dentures, clean both the denture part and your remaining natural teeth separately. Your natural teeth still need a regular toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day.
Key Takeaways
- Clean dentures after every meal and before bed using a soft brush and denture-specific cleaner, never regular toothpaste.
- Soak dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution to remove buildup and keep them moist so they do not warp.
- Handle dentures carefully over a folded towel or sink filled with water to prevent breaking them if you drop them.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth to remove cleaning solution residue.
- See your dentist if dentures become loose, cause sore spots, or no longer fit properly after a few months.
Handle dentures with care to prevent cracks and breaks
Dentures are fragile and break easily if dropped. When cleaning or handling them, work over a sink filled with water or a folded towel. If you drop them into water, they usually will not break, but dropping them on a hard floor or counter can crack or chip them.
When you are not wearing your dentures, store them in a denture cup filled with water or denture cleaning solution. Dentures are made of acrylic and metal that can warp or crack if they dry out. Never leave them in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or hot water. Keep them in a cool, moist place.
If your dentures break, crack, or chip, do not try to glue them yourself. Superglue and home repairs can damage them further and may make them unsafe to wear. Contact your dentist or denturist for professional repair.
Manage sore spots and discomfort as your mouth changes
New dentures often cause sore spots where they rub against your gums. This is normal at first. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to soothe irritation. You can also explore a denture adhesive to problem areas to reduce friction, though adhesive is not required for all dentures.
As you age, your jawbone shrinks — this happens to everyone who wears dentures. Over time, dentures that fit well at first will become loose. A loose denture can cause new sore spots, make eating harder, and affect how you speak. If your dentures slip or move when you eat or talk, or if you notice new sore spots that do not heal within a week, contact your dentist.
Your dentist can adjust dentures or add padding to problem areas. If your dentures are very loose, you may need a reline, where the dentist adds material to the underside to make them fit your mouth again. Relines are common and usually cost less than new dentures.
Use denture adhesive correctly if you choose to use it
Denture adhesive is optional — many people wear dentures without it. But if your dentures slip, feel loose, or you want extra stability while eating or speaking, adhesive can help. It comes as a cream, powder, or strip that you explore to the underside of the denture before putting it in.
Use only a small amount — a thin line along the ridge is enough. Too much adhesive makes dentures harder to remove and can irritate your gums. explore it to clean, dry dentures for the best hold. Adhesive typically lasts all day but wears off by evening.
At the end of the day, remove your dentures and rinse away old adhesive under running water. Use a soft brush to gently scrub away any residue. Do not use adhesive as a substitute for a denture that no longer fits — if your dentures are very loose, see your dentist about a reline instead.
Care for your gums and remaining natural teeth
Even if you wear full dentures, you still have gums that need care. Rinse your mouth with warm water after meals and before putting dentures back in. Gently massage your gums with a soft cloth or your fingertip to keep them healthy and improve blood flow.
If you wear partial dentures, your remaining natural teeth are at higher risk for decay because the denture can trap food and bacteria against them. Brush your natural teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Ask your dentist which areas need extra attention.
Take your dentures out for at least six to eight hours each day — most people do this overnight — so your gums can rest and stay healthy. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day without a break increases the risk of gum infections and bone loss.
Schedule regular dental checkups even with dentures
Visit your dentist or denturist at least once a year, even if your dentures feel fine. Your dentist checks for problems you cannot see, like bone loss, gum disease, or changes in how your dentures fit. They also screen for oral cancer, which can develop under dentures where you might not notice it.
If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist sooner: dentures that slip or move, new sore spots that do not heal, difficulty eating or speaking, a change in how your dentures look or feel, or any pain or swelling in your mouth or jaw.
Dentures typically last five to eight years before they need to be replaced. Over time, the acrylic can become stained or cracked, and your mouth shape changes enough that even adjusted dentures no longer fit well. Your dentist can tell you when replacement is a better option than repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep in my dentures?
You can, but dentists recommend taking dentures out at night to let your gums rest. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day increases the risk of gum infections and bone loss. If you do sleep in them, soak them in cleaning solution during the day instead, and remove them for at least a few hours daily.
What should I do if my dentures break while I am traveling?
If a denture cracks or breaks, do not wear it — a broken edge can cut your gums or mouth. Contact a local dentist or denturist for emergency repair. Many can do temporary fixes or adjustments the same day. Until then, stick to soft foods and remove the denture if it causes pain.
How do I know if my dentures need a reline?
Your dentures need a reline if they slip or move when you eat or talk, feel loose even with adhesive, or cause new sore spots. Your dentist can check the fit at your yearly visit. Relines are normal maintenance and usually take one to two weeks.
Is it normal for dentures to feel uncomfortable at first?
Yes. New dentures take time to adjust to — usually a few weeks. Your mouth needs to learn how to keep them in place, and minor sore spots are common. If discomfort does not improve after two weeks, or if you develop large sore spots, contact your dentist for adjustments.
Can I use regular toothpaste on my dentures?
No. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch denture surfaces. Use only denture-specific cleaners, which are gentler. If you wear partial dentures, use regular toothpaste only on your natural teeth.