Aspen Dental provider seated at desk with denture model and toothbrush for patient care education

Clean your denture like an expert

Learn the best way to clean your denture at home from our leading clinicians.

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Aspen Dental provider presenting how to clean dentures – patient care education.

How to clean your dentures

Caring for your dentures doesn’t have to be complicated. With a solid routine, you can ensure they stay clean, comfortable and ready to support your smile every day. 
Learn the simple steps our expert clinicians recommend to maintain your dentures.

Brushing an upper denture under running water with a soft toothbrush as part of daily denture care routine.

More daily denture care tips

While daytime care is more straightforward, there are a few things to remember:

Morning care
When you’re ready to start your day, rinse your denture of any residue left over from storing it overnight. After you’re done, you’re ready to insert your smile or apply adhesive.

Eating & daytime care
After every meal, we recommend rinsing your denture. For best results, run lukewarm water over your denture to gently remove any food debris before reinserting, or reapplying adhesives.

Next up: applying denture adhesive

Drying a clean denture with a towel before applying adhesive – Aspen Dental denture care step.
STEP 1

Clean your denture

Start with a clean, dry denture before applying your recommended adhesive. A clean denture means a clean application so your smile stays put securely throughout the day. 

Applying denture adhesive paste in short strips onto an upper denture – Aspen Dental how-to guide.
STEP 2

Apply your paste

When it comes to adhesives, we recommend using a paste for easy application. Simply apply your adhesive in short, even strips along the side of your denture that meets the roof of your mouth or your bottom gums. Avoid the edges to prevent wasting excess product. 

Positioning and pressing an upper denture into place after applying adhesive – Aspen Dental denture placement tip.
STEP 3

Press and hold

After you’re done applying your adhesive, position the denture in your mouth and press it into place. Either firmly hold it in place with your fingers or gently bite down for a few seconds for a secure, lasting fit. 

Aspen Dental provider introducing how to master your denture adhesive routine – patient care education.

Let’s master your denture adhesive routine

Secure your best smile with these expert tips for applying and removing your denture adhesive.

Remove your denture adhesive like a pro

Filling a glass with water at the sink before removing dentures – Aspen Dental oral care routine.
STEP 1

Start with a rinse

When it’s time to take your dentures out, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. This helps loosen the adhesive, making removal easier.

Gloved hand gently removing an upper denture – Aspen Dental denture care instruction
STEP 2

Gently remove your denture

Next, carefully take out your dentures by gently rocking them back and forth with your fingers to avoid any discomfort.

 Upper denture soaking in green cleaning solution after removal – Aspen Dental hygiene step.
STEP 3

Clean your smile

After removing your dentures, clean any leftover adhesive from your dentures. Use a soft toothbrush and a damp cloth to do this gently. Then, rinse your dentures under warm water and soak them in a denture cleanser.  

PRO TIP

“Less is more when applying your denture adhesive.”

Aspen Dental Expert Clinician

Aspen Dental provider and patient smiling during a denture care checkup visit.

Let’s take care of your denture together

Get more expert tips

Use our library of resources to learn more about caring for your denture—from your first visit to living with them.
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Even with proper at-home care, yearly check-ups are essential to maintain your oral health and overall health.
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Why Aspen Dental for denture care

Comprehensive care

We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.

Same-day appointments

With same-day availability and flexible hours, getting a cleaning or check-up is easy.

Made affordable for you

Our care is tailored to you and your budget so you can prioritize your smile.

Explore more clinically-approved tips

Denture cleanser
For storing your denture overnight and cleaning your denture after a meal, we recommend using Haleon’s Polident product line for your best results. While they have many options to choose from, we recommend:

  • Polident Overnight Daily Cleanser: Soak your denture overnight for a fresh smile in the morning. Simply add 1 tablet to enough warm water to cover your denture and let it get to work killing 99% of bacteria. Before putting it back in your mouth, make sure to thoroughly rinse it of any remaining cleansing solution.

  • Polident 3-Minute Cleanser: If you’re tight on time, put your denture into this ultra fast cleanser. Like the overnight solution, add 1 tablet to enough warm water to cover your denture and let it sit for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, make sure to thoroughly rinse your denture before putting it back into your mouth.


Brushes
Whether you’re cleaning your denture or your gums, your daily care routine should include a couple of brushes. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Denture brush: This type of brush is great and more rigid for gently cleaning your denture. Unlike a traditional toothbrush, it’s double-sided so you have complete control to clean larger, easy to reach areas, as well as smaller crevices.

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush: This type of brush is needed to gently clean your gums. Use it to softly clean your gums of any bacteria that’s built up underneath your denture.


Mouthwash
When it comes to the rest of your mouth, oral health is still important. Maintain your oral hygiene and gum health by using an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and have fresh breath. Avoid any options that include alcohol as this can damage your mouth’s microbiome.

Non-abrasive products
With oral care products, avoid options like stiff-bristle toothbrushes, abrasive toothpastes designed for whitening or products that include ingredients like silica or calcium carbonate. These products can damage your denture and the health of your gums.

From pastes to powders, there are many great denture adhesives options. At Aspen Dental, we typically recommend our patients try Haleon’s Poligrip adhesive line for easy application, all-day hold and stability you can count on.

Why do you need denture adhesives?
While dentures are custom-crafted for you, denture adhesives can still be a great addition to your daily routine. They can provide enhanced stability when speaking and a seal for extra security while you’re eating. For more recommendations or tips, schedule a visit with your dentist or clinician today.

  • Anytime you’re not using your denture, whether for a brief part of your day or when you go to bed, we recommend storing it in a denture cleansing solution.

  • You can pop it into lukewarm water, or use a product like Polident 3-Minute Cleanser or Polident Overnight Daily Cleanser to store and clean your denture while you’re not using it.

  • Never use hot water when storing or cleaning your denture as this can damage it.

  • It’s important to store your denture when it’s not in use because it can dry out and become brittle. Storing dentures in one of our recommended options can ensure that your denture maintains its shape, avoids cracking or damage, and lasts as long as possible.

  • Clean your dentures daily to remove food debris, plaque buildup and bacteria that can lead to bad breath and gum irritation.

  • A thorough cleaning routine helps maintain your oral health and keeps your dentures looking and feeling fresh.

  • Schedule a visit with your dentist annually so they can tailor your routine to your needs, your oral health and overall hygiene.

  • Never use hot water. This can warp the material and affect the fit of your dentures. Always rinse them with lukewarm or cool water.

  •  Avoid abrasive cleaners, such as whitening products or gritty cleaning agents. Products like these can scratch the surface of your denture, making them more prone to collecting bacteria and stains.  

  • Never leave your dentures out of water or a denture cleansing solution outside of what your clinician recommends or what your cleaning agent recommends. Because dentures can dry out and become brittle, leaving them out can cause them to lose their shape or crack. When you’re not using them, always store your dentures in water or a denture solution. 

  • Yes, soaking your dentures overnight in a recommended cleansing solution, such as Polident Overnight Daily Cleanser, helps keep them clean, stain-free and in good condition. Denture cleansers are specially designed to help reduce odor-causing bacteria so your smile stays fresh.

  • Overnight soaking also allows the material to stay hydrated, ensuring they retain their shape and fit comfortably.
    Finally, always rinse them thoroughly before wearing them again. 

  • Schedule a visit with your dentist to get the best recommendations for you.

  • Clean them daily with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Doing so will remove any food particles, plaque and stains from your day.

  • Soak them overnight in a denture cleansing solution, such as Polident Overnight Daily Cleanser, or Polident 3-Minute Cleanser if you’re tight on time, to keep them hydrated and in great condition.

  • Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, adjustments and professional cleaning. Your dentist can make sure the fit of your dentures stays comfortable and address any issues, such as wear and tear or damage, to prolong the life of your dentures.

  • Handle your dentures carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them.

Learn more about dentures