How to sanitize dentures

Clean dentures by rinsing, brushing all surfaces with a denture brush and cleanser, and soaking them as directed while keeping the mouth and gums clean.

Dentures collect plaque, food debris, and microorganisms on acrylic or metal surfaces. Cleaning differs from sterilizing because household methods do not make a denture sterile.

Remove the denture, rinse away loose debris, brush the fitting surface and teeth with a denture cleanser, and clean the tongue, palate, and gums separately. Handle it over a folded towel or a basin of water.

Use only a soaking solution and dilution suitable for the denture materials, rinse thoroughly before wearing, and store it as directed when not in the mouth. Do not use hot water because heat can distort acrylic.

Use only a soaking solution and dilution suitable for the denture materials, rinse thoroughly before wearing, and store it as directed when not in the mouth. Do not use hot water because heat can distort acrylic.

Arrange dental care for persistent soreness, ulcers, a cracked denture, fungal-looking patches, bad odour that remains after cleaning, or a denture that no longer fits.

Arrange dental care for persistent soreness, ulcers, a cracked denture, fungal-looking patches, bad odour that remains after cleaning, or a denture that no longer fits.

Ask which brush and cleanser suit the materials, whether overnight soaking is appropriate, and whether the denture or oral tissues need examination.

Ask which brush and cleanser suit the materials, whether overnight soaking is appropriate, and whether the denture or oral tissues need examination.

Many toothpastes are abrasive and can scratch denture materials; use a cleanser intended for dentures unless the dental team advises otherwise.