What does caring for dentures at home involve?
Caring for dentures at home is the daily routine of rinsing, brushing and soaking a full or partial denture so plaque and food do not build up, while looking after the gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth. A denture is a removable appliance made to replace missing teeth. Healthdirect describes full dentures, partial dentures held with clasps, and removable implant-retained dentures (healthdirect).
AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake does not make or provide dentures. Denture patients are referred to a dental technologist, who makes, fits and adjusts dentures. The tips below are general information for people who already wear a denture, and for carers. Follow the advice your dental technologist gave when your appliance was made.
How should I rinse and brush my dentures?
Always remove the denture before cleaning. Healthdirect advises cleaning twice a day — morning and before bed — and after eating when needed, using a soft toothbrush with mild soap and water rather than toothpaste, which can scratch plastic (healthdirect). The Australian Dental Association and Better Health Channel give the same advice: soft brush, mild soap and water or a denture cleaner your practitioner has advised, and no ordinary toothpaste (teeth.org.au; Better Health Channel).
Clean over a basin half-filled with water, or over a towel, so a drop is less likely to crack the appliance. Avoid squeezing the ends of a U-shaped lower denture. Rinse with cold water (teeth.org.au; Better Health Channel).
AMK Dental Clinic does not promote particular brands of paste or cleaner.
Should I soak my dentures, and how do I store them overnight?
Soaking can follow brushing. The Australian Dental Association advises a denture cleaning solution, and notes that hard deposits (tartar) can sometimes be soaked overnight in diluted white vinegar (one part vinegar to four parts water) before cleaning as usual (teeth.org.au). Ask your dental technologist before you try a new soak, because materials differ.
Healthdirect and Better Health Channel advise taking dentures out before sleep so the mouth can rest; Better Health Channel also links overnight removal with lower fungal infection risk (healthdirect; Better Health Channel). After cleaning, store them in a clean dry container or in water — ask your dental technologist which option suits yours. Keep them where they will not be knocked or discarded by mistake.
What should I avoid when cleaning dentures?
Avoid hot water and abrasive household cleaners. Better Health Channel states that hot water can change the shape and fit of a denture, so rinse with cold water unless your dental practitioner has told you otherwise (Better Health Channel).
Do not scrub with ordinary toothpaste, scouring powders or harsh household bleach unless a dental professional has directed you. Do not bend metal clasps yourself — ask your dental technologist to adjust them instead.
Home care does not mean a denture will keep the same fit for life. Mouth tissues and bone can change with age, so appliances often need review, reline or remake over time (teeth.org.au).
Do I still need to clean my mouth if I wear a full denture?
Yes. Healthdirect advises brushing gums and tongue every day and attending regular dental checks, even without natural teeth (healthdirect). Better Health Channel recommends cleaning any remaining natural teeth with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste while the denture is out, and brushing the gums and roof of the mouth that the denture usually covers (Better Health Channel).
Partial denture wearers still need fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between remaining teeth. See oral health tips for older adults and dry mouth and dental health.
Who should I see about sore spots, looseness or cracks?
See your dental technologist if a denture feels loose, presses unevenly, or shows a crack, chip or broken clasp. Healthdirect lists a sore mouth, bleeding gums, swelling and ulcers as reasons to see your dentist or dental prosthetist (healthdirect). Better Health Channel adds ulcers lasting more than two weeks, a poor fit and lasting bad breath (Better Health Channel).
The Australian Dental Association notes that mouth shape can change so a denture may stop fitting well; a reline or new denture is sometimes needed. Regular visits also allow soft-tissue checks for conditions such as oral thrush (teeth.org.au).
Do not glue a cracked denture with household adhesive or grind away a sore spot yourself. Take the denture to your dental technologist for repair.
Check-ups at AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137, serving Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
A check-up and clean at AMK Dental Clinic looks after your remaining natural teeth, your gums and the soft tissues a denture rests on. If the denture itself needs attention, such as a poor fit or a crack, your dentist can refer you to a dental technologist. See also benefits of regular dental check-ups.
You can book online, follow how to book an appointment at AMK, or call (02) 9739 6525. Opening hours are on the Contact page. Bring a list of medicines if you can. This article is general information only.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
How often should I clean my dentures?
Healthdirect advises cleaning dentures twice a day — in the morning and before bed — and after eating when needed. Always take the denture out of your mouth to clean it. Use a soft brush with mild soap and water rather than toothpaste, which can scratch plastic surfaces. Ask the dental technologist who made your denture which routine suits your appliance.
Can I use ordinary toothpaste on dentures?
Toothpaste is not recommended for cleaning dentures. Healthdirect, the Australian Dental Association and Better Health Channel note that toothpaste can scratch plastic denture surfaces. Prefer a soft brush with mild soap and water, or a denture cleaning product your dentist or dental prosthetist has advised. Rinse well with cold water afterwards.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Healthdirect and Better Health Channel advise removing dentures before sleep so your mouth can rest, and Better Health Channel notes this can also help reduce the risk of fungal infection. After cleaning, store them in a clean dry container or in water as your denture provider advises — ask which option fits your denture. Questions about fit go to the dental technologist who made it.
Why must I avoid hot water on dentures?
Better Health Channel advises never using hot water to clean or rinse dentures, because heat can change the shape and fit of the appliance. Stick to cold or lukewarm water as advised for rinsing. Do not use abrasive household cleaners or bleach unless a dental professional has specifically directed you. If the fit changes after cleaning, contact your dental technologist.
Who should I see about sore spots, looseness or a cracked denture?
A cracked or chipped denture, a broken clasp, or a denture that feels loose or presses unevenly needs the dental technologist who made it. Healthdirect and Better Health Channel list sore spots, ulcers that last more than a couple of weeks, bleeding gums and swelling as reasons to see a dental practitioner. AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake does not make or adjust dentures, but can check your gums, soft tissues and remaining natural teeth. Call (02) 9739 6525.
