Keeping your dentures clean is essential for comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. Whether you wear full dentures, partial dentures, acrylic dentures, or flexible dentures, a good cleaning routine prevents staining, plaque build-up, and unpleasant odours.
At Kevin Manners Denture Clinics in Nottingham and Mansfield, we regularly see how much of a difference proper denture care makes. This guide covers how to clean dentures, the best products to use, how often to clean them, and the common mistakes to avoid.
How to Clean Dentures: A Simple Daily Routine
1. Rinse After Every Meal
Yes – you can eat with dentures in. Remove your dentures and rinse them under lukewarm water to clear food debris. This helps prevent staining and reduces the risk of irritation.
2. Brush Daily – But Use the Right Tools
Use a soft-bristled brush or a purpose-made denture brush. Gently clean every surface of the denture, including the underside that sits against your gums.
Avoid regular toothpaste – it’s too abrasive and can scratch acrylic dentures or flexible dentures.
3. Use a Denture Cleaner
Soak your dentures once a day in a denture-cleaning solution. This helps dissolve plaque and keeps them fresh. Follow the directions on the packet closely.
4. Rinse Thoroughly Before Wearing
After soaking, rinse your dentures with clean water to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
5. Let Your Gums Rest Overnight
Unless your clinician has advised otherwise, remove your dentures at night. This reduces the risk of fungal infections and gives your gums time to recover.
How Often Should You Clean Dentures?
A good routine includes:
- After every meal: Quick rinse
- Once a day: Full brush and denture-soak
- Nightly: Remove and store in clean water
Consistent cleaning helps your dentures last longer and keeps them comfortable.
What Products Should You Use?
Recommended Products
- Soft denture brush
- Non-abrasive denture cleanser
- Mild soap (for occasional use if denture cleaner isn’t available)
- Clean denture bath container
- Lukewarm water
Products to Avoid
- Regular toothpaste
- Whitening pastes or strips
- Bleach or household cleaning chemicals
- Hard-bristled toothbrushes
- Hot or boiling water (can warp dentures)
Using the wrong products is one of the main reasons dentures lose their fit or become stained.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dentures
1. Using Hot Water
High temperatures can distort denture material, especially acrylic dentures.
2. Scrubbing Too Hard
Over-brushing can scratch the surface and make dentures more prone to staining.
3. Sleeping With Dentures In
This increases the risk of gum irritation and fungal infections.
4. Ignoring Fit Changes
If dentures start to feel loose or uncomfortable, book an appointment. Never attempt to adjust them yourself.
5. Using DIY Glues or Household Adhesives
These are unsafe and can damage the denture or harm your gums.
Things You Can’t Eat With Dentures (or Should Avoid)
While dentures allow you to enjoy most foods, there are a few things to avoid or approach with caution:
1. Very Sticky Foods
Chewing gum, toffees, and sticky sweets can pull dentures out of place.
2. Hard Foods
Hard nuts, boiled sweets, or crusty bread can place too much pressure on the denture base.
3. Tough Meats
Steaks or chewy meats can be difficult to break down without natural teeth.
4. Foods That Require Strong Biting Pressure
Corn on the cob, whole apples, or raw carrots may dislodge or stress dentures.
5. Extremely Hot Foods or Drinks
Heat can warp denture acrylic or make dentures feel loose.
A few small adjustments make eating with dentures much easier and more enjoyable.
How to Keep Your Dentures Stain-Free
- Avoid or limit red wine, coffee, tea, and curry sauces
- Rinse after meals
- Use an overnight denture soak every day
- Avoid smoking, which discolours dentures quickly
If staining becomes noticeable, visit your nearest Kevin Manners Denture Clinic for a professional clean.
When to Replace or Refurbish Dentures
Most dentures last 5–7 years, depending on wear and changes to your gums.
Signs you may need a check-up:
- Sore spots or irritation
- Clicking or slipping
- Cracks, chips, or staining that won’t clean off
- Difficulty chewing
Our clinics in Nottingham and Mansfield offer free consultations, repairs, relines, and replacement dentures.
Book a Free Denture Consultation
Proper denture cleaning keeps your smile looking natural and feeling comfortable for years. If you’re unsure about your cleaning routine – or if your dentures aren’t as comfortable as they used to be – our clinical experts can help.
Book your free consultation today