Complete Guide to Denture Care and Oral Hygiene

Cleaning Your Dentures
Proper cleaning extends the life of your denture and maintains oral health.


Full and Partial Acrylic and Metal Dentures:
Clean daily using a mild, non-abrasive, fragrance-free liquid dish detergent, lukewarm water, and a soft-bristled denture brush. Gently scrub all surfaces, including both the inner and outer areas, to remove plaque, food debris, and stains.

Once a month, soak the denture in a mixture of methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol and water for 20 minutes. After soaking, wash the denture thoroughly with detergent and water.


Why Avoid Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is too abrasive for dentures and can cause micro-scratches, leading to surface damage, staining, and bacterial buildup over time.


Additional Tips:

• Clean over a folded towel or sink filled with water to prevent damage if dropped.

• Avoid harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach) as they can degrade denture materials.

Sleep Without Dentures

It Is Best Not to Sleep with Your Dentures
Remove your dentures at night to allow your gums to rest, promote healthy blood flow, help prevent gum shrinkage or bone atrophy, and support the natural process of mucosal exfoliation. If dentures are worn continuously, the exfoliated tissue can accumulate on the denture surfaces, creating an unhygienic environment.
Prolonged wear, especially during sleep, can accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of irritation, sores, or infection.

Grinding Concerns:
Many patients unconsciously grind their teeth (bruxism) during sleep, which can excessively wear down denture teeth, weaken the denture structure, and cause discomfort. Removing dentures at night minimizes this risk.

Overnight Storage
Store in a dedicated denture bowl filled with clean, room-temperature water to prevent infection growth and maintain moisture. Avoid hot water, as it can distort some types of denture acrylics.

Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth is essential for denture wearers to prevent infections and ensure comfort.

For Patients with No Natural Teeth:

• Rinse your mouth daily with a natural mouthwash to reduce bacteria and help maintain a balanced oral pH, a healthy oral microbiome, and proper salivary flow. Try one of these options:

  • Diluted red wine vinegar: Mix 1 part red wine vinegar with 2 parts water (⅓ red wine vinegar, ⅔ water)

  • Salt water: Dissolve 1 tbsp of salt in half a glass of water.

  • Crushed ginger solution: Steep crushed ginger in a glass of warm water, then strain before use.

• Gently clean gums, tongue, and palate with a soft cloth or gauze to remove debris and stimulate circulation.

For Patients with Natural Teeth (Partial Denture Wearers):

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with natural toothpaste (free of sodium lauryl sulfate or harsh abrasives) to clean remaining teeth.

• Floss daily or use a water flosser to remove plaque and food particles interdently, between the teeth and around partial dentures.

• Rinse your mouth daily with a natural mouthwash to reduce bacteria and maintain a balanced oral pH, a healthy oral microbiome, and proper salivary flow. Try one of these options:

  • Diluted red wine vinegar: Mix 1 part red wine vinegar with 2 parts water (⅓ red wine vinegar, ⅔ water)

  • Salt water: Dissolve 1 tbsp of salt in half a glass of water.

  • Crushed ginger solution: Steep crushed ginger in a glass of warm water, then strain before use.

Natural Tooth-Brushing Powders for Tooth Health:
Use these sparingly (1–2 times per week, unless advised otherwise by your specialist) to avoid excessive abrasion and prevent enamel wear:

• Activated Charcoal: Gently removes surface stains and whitens teeth. Apply a small amount to a damp toothbrush and brush lightly. Rinse thoroughly.

• Nano-Hydroxyapatite: A natural mineral that strengthens enamel, reduces sensitivity, and promotes remineralization. Use a powder or toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite for gentle cleaning.

• Non-Aluminum Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Neutralizes oral acids and gently cleans teeth. Use a small amount of pure baking soda or a baking soda-based powder on a damp toothbrush. Avoid overuse to prevent enamel wear.

Managing Oral Infections
If you suspect an oral infection, bacterial buildup, unusual odours, pain or symptoms like redness, sores, swelling or white patches, take the following steps and contact your specialist promptly:

• Morning and Night Rinse: Use a red wine vinegar and water mouthwash (Mix 1 part red wine vinegar with 2 parts water) twice daily to help reduce oral bacteria and fungi. The acetic acid in vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties that can aid in managing infections.

• Three Times a Day Rinse: To soothe gums, reduce inflammation, and inhibit bacterial growth.

  • Rinse with a saltwater solution (Dissolve 1 tbsp of salt in half a glass of water)

  • Crushed ginger solution (Steep crushed ginger in a glass of warm water, then strain before use..
    

• Additional Helpful Oral Infection Remedy: Crushed clove and oregano mouthwash: Crush 3–4 cloves and add 1 teaspoon of oregano to 1 glass of water. Use as a gentle rinse to help reduce oral bacteria and support oral health.
  

• Additional Tips:

  • Inspect your mouth daily for signs of infection, such as persistent redness, sores, white patches, or discomfort.

  • Clean your dentures thoroughly after each rinse to prevent reinfection. Use a denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser, and soak in a denture-safe disinfectant as recommended by your prosthodontist.

  • Avoid sugary foods or drinks, as they can worsen infections by promoting bacterial and fungal growth.

  • Contact your prosthodontist or dental practitioner immediately if symptoms persist or worsen.