A daily denture care routine will help to minimise odour and stains, keep your dentures looking like new and help them last longer.
Denture care tips:
- Handle your dentures carefully and avoid pressure on the weakest points.
- When removing your dentures, stand over a soft surface e.g. folded towel.
- Remove your dentures at night. This allows your mouth to rest and a chance to recover and regenerate. It also helps to prevent fungal infections.
- Clean your dentures each night and store them in a container of cold water (hot water can distort the shape).
- If your dentures get damaged or become loose, see your dentist or other oral health professional. Do not try to fix them yourself as this can cause permanent damage.
- Check your mouth for ulceration, ill-fitting dentures and food debris. Follow the cleaning tips below.
Denture and mouth cleaning tips:
- Food debris and plaque need to be cleaned from all denture surfaces daily.
- Clean your dentures using a soft toothbrush and mild soap and water or denture paste. Standard toothpaste is not recommended.
- Clean your dentures over a hand-basin half filled with water to prevent breakage if dropped.
- Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft toothbrush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- Soak your dentures overnight in 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts cold water. This helps prevent calculus.
Remember: Dentures should be well fitted and comfortable when you chew and your breath should be fresh. See your oral health professional if you have any pain or problems with your mouth or dentures or if you need further information on denture cleaning and care.
Useful dental information:
How to access public dental health care (dentures)
To find a community dental clinic near you
How often should I have my dentures checked? 
(ADA website)
Denture care video
This video is taken from the Brushing up on oral health video series produced by Dental Health Services Victoria and The Department of Health.
Back to top