How to care for your dentures
Daily care keeps dentures clean and comfortable and protects the gums and remaining teeth underneath.
Take your dentures out and brush them every day with a soft denture brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste. Rinse after meals, remove them overnight so your gums can rest, and store them in water or a soaking solution. Brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth. See your dentist yearly to check fit.
Daily cleaning
When you first get dentures, eat soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides at once. Speaking can feel strange for a few days; reading aloud helps. Sore spots are common early on and can be adjusted at a follow-up visit.
- Rinse your dentures under running water after eating
- Brush all surfaces once a day with a soft denture brush
- Use mild hand soap, dish soap or a denture cleaner; regular toothpaste can scratch
- Clean over a folded towel or a sink of water in case you drop them
- Soak overnight in water or a denture solution as the product directs
- Rinse well before putting them back in, especially after a chemical soak
Caring for your mouth
Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth gently each day with a soft brush. This keeps tissue healthy and removes bacteria. If you have a partial denture, brush and floss your natural teeth carefully, especially those the clasps hold onto, since plaque collects there.
Taking dentures out for six to eight hours a day, usually overnight, gives your gums a rest and lowers the risk of fungal infection.
Things to avoid
- Hot or boiling water, which can warp the acrylic
- Bleach or whitening toothpaste, which can weaken and discolour dentures
- Bending clasps or adjusting dentures yourself
- Letting dentures dry out
- Wrapping them in a napkin at restaurants, where they're easily thrown away
Fit changes over time
After teeth are lost, the jawbone slowly shrinks. Dentures that fit well at first can become loose, causing rubbing, sore spots, clicking or trouble chewing. A reline adds new material to the fitting surface so the denture matches your gums again. Over time, a new denture may be needed.
Implant-supported dentures snap onto implants for added stability. Their attachments wear and need periodic replacement. At our office we make partial dentures and repair dentures.
Signs it may be time for a reline or new denture include food getting stuck under the plate, a change in how your face looks, cheek biting, or needing adhesive every day.
Regular checkups still matter
Even with a full set of dentures, a yearly visit is important. We check the fit, look for sore spots and screen the tissues of the mouth for signs of oral cancer. Come in sooner if you have a sore that hasn't healed in two weeks, a crack or chip in the denture, or a loose clasp.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Most people are advised to take them out at night. Your dentist may suggest otherwise in specific cases.
Can I use denture adhesive?
A small amount is fine for extra comfort. If you need more and more adhesive, the denture likely needs a reline or adjustment.
Can I fix a broken denture at home?
No. Home glues can damage the denture and may be unsafe in the mouth. Bring the pieces in for repair.
Are dentures covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
CDCP covers some denture services for eligible members. At our office, complete upper and lower dentures are not provided under CDCP. Partial dentures may be an option, so ask us about your situation.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-04.
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