How to Clean and Care for Dentures

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published September 5, 2026

Whether you're newly wearing dentures or have had them for years, cleaning them properly every day keeps your mouth healthier, your breath fresher, and prevents the permanent staining that builds up when cleaning is inconsistent.

Caring for Your Mouth, Not Just Your Dentures

Even without natural teeth, your mouth still needs daily care. Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush before inserting your dentures each day — this clears away plaque and food debris that would otherwise sit against your tissue underneath the denture. And keep up with a yearly dental visit even if you have no natural teeth left at all: beyond checking the fit of your dentures, we check for signs of oral cancer and examine your gum ridges, tongue, palate, and jaw joints (TMJ) at that visit.

Your Daily Cleaning Routine

Rinse the denture well before you brush it. Apply a denture cleanser to a moistened brush and clean every surface thoroughly, but gently — scrubbing too hard can damage the plastic base or bend a metal clasp. A brush designed specifically for dentures is ideal, though a regular soft-bristled toothbrush is a fine substitute; stiff-bristled brushes can damage the denture material over time.

There are many denture-cleaning products available, and it's worth asking your dentist which they'd recommend — follow the product's instructions closely. Some patients prefer plain hand soap, a mild dishwashing liquid, or baking soda instead, all of which are reasonable options. Skip household cleaners and most toothpastes, though, since they're too abrasive for the denture surface — and never use bleach on a denture.

When you take your dentures out at night, place them in a container of denture-cleaning solution or plain water rather than leaving them out dry — a denture that dries out can change shape. Never use hot water for rinsing, soaking, or cleaning, since heat can warp the material the same way letting it dry out can.

Handle Them Carefully

Dropping a denture, even just a few inches into a sink, can crack the denture base or break off a tooth — so clean or insert them over a folded towel, or over a sink half-filled with water, to cushion any accidental drop. Keep dentures out of reach of both children and pets at all times.

If you have questions about your specific denture care routine, bring it up at your next visit. If you're newly wearing dentures and still working through the adjustment period, see our piece on what to expect with new dentures. Learn more about your options on our dentures page.