Dentures should be cleaned at least once a day to remove plaque (the bugs) and staining, so keeping your mouth healthy and looking good.

Dentures are slippery when wet, so it is a good idea to clean them over a clean bowl of water or a folded towel to avoid breakages.

Twice a day, a soft toothbrush can be used to clean your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove plaque. Try and soak them once a day. Overnight is ideal, but if you prefer, a 15-minute soaking solution can be used, e.g. Steradent for plastic dentures or Fixodent for metal ones.

Bleach should not be used, as this causes the denture to fade and become brittle or if it is metal it will corrode.

If the denture is removed at night, it will allow the soft tissues of the mouth to recover as it avoids the build-up of bacteria in the mouth.

If your denture is out of your mouth, keep it moist in water.

You may have a PARTIAL denture, which means that you still have some of your own teeth. These teeth are very helpful to support your denture and we need to help you keep them. 

Partial dentures tend to trap food so good oral hygiene is essential. Your dentist or oral health educator can help you to achieve this with advice on cleaning and diet.

Teeth should be brushed twice a day, using a small-headed toothbrush (Colgate Precision is good) and fluoride toothpaste such as Colgate Total. A single-tufted interspace brush is useful for cleaning spaces and lone-standing teeth. (see How to clean your teeth)

To avoid decay in the remaining teeth, sugar frequency should be reduced to no more than 5 times a day.

Remember to visit your dentist for regular check-ups, help with cleaning techniques and advice on diet.