A good routine starts with knowing what your denture is made from. Ask your clinician which brush, cleaner and storage instructions suit it.
Handle the denture carefully.
Clean over a bowl of water or a folded towel to reduce the risk of damage if you drop it. Use a soft brush and a cleaner recommended for dentures rather than an abrasive toothpaste.
Clean all surfaces, including the side that rests against the gums. Rinse thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth.
Our Sparkle & Shine denture cleaner
We sell our own Milestone Laboratories Sparkle & Shine denture cleaner to our patients, alongside denture cleaning kits.
Ask about them at your next appointment, or contact the clinic before you visit. We can talk through the cleaning advice for your particular denture. Follow the product instructions and the advice given at your appointment.
Check the cleaner before soaking.
Follow the product instructions and check compatibility with your denture, especially if it has metal components. Do not assume a product for an acrylic denture is appropriate for every design.
Read about chrome cobalt dentures if you are unsure what your framework is called, then confirm the material with your clinician.
Look after your mouth too.
Cleaning the denture is only part of the routine. Continue looking after any natural teeth and follow the advice given for your gums and mouth.
Dentures are normally removed at night. If you have just had an immediate denture fitted after extraction, follow your clinician’s initial instructions instead.
When the routine is not solving the problem.
Tell the clinic if deposits are difficult to remove, the denture smells despite cleaning, or your mouth remains sore. Bring the appliance and the name of the cleaning product you use.
If it is damaged, do not try to glue it. Ask for a repair assessment and keep any pieces.
Further reading: Cambridge University Hospitals: denture care. General information; your clinician will advise on your own dentures.