How to clean your denture without breaking it
A lot of dentures break at the sink, slipping out of wet hands. A few small habits keep yours clean and in one piece.
Clean it over something soft
Dentures are slippery when wet. Clean yours over a folded towel or a basin with some water in it, so if it slips it lands softly.
Brush it gently every day
Use a soft brush, a denture brush is ideal, with mild soap or a denture cleaner. Brush every surface, including the side that sits on your gums.
- Avoid ordinary toothpaste, which can scratch the surface
- Rinse it after meals to clear food
- Handle clasps gently so they do not bend
Never use hot water
Hot or boiling water can warp the acrylic, and a warped denture will not fit properly again. Warm or cold water only.
Soak it, then rinse it
A denture cleaning tablet or solution helps lift stains. Follow the instructions on the pack, and always rinse your denture well before you put it back in.
Look after it at night
Take it out at night to give your gums a rest. Keep it in water or a closed denture case so it does not dry out, and out of reach of pets, as dogs are known to chew them.