How to Store Dentures

If you have periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury to your teeth, you might need dentures, which are prosthetic devices with plastic or porcelain teeth attached that fit inside your mouth to replace the missing teeth. Dentures require special care when they are taken out of your mouth and stored each night.

Things You'll Need

• Thick, dry towel
• Denture cleaner
• Denture toothbrush
• Mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap (optional)
• Glass or bowl that can accommodate your dentures
• Soaking solution formulated for dentures (optional)

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Instructions

Denture Care Basics

• 1

  When removing your dentures, be careful not to drop them. The American Dental Association notes that dentures can break if dropped from a height of only a few inches and advises standing over a filled basin of water or placing a dry towel on top of the hard surface below you whenever you take out and store dentures.

• 2

  Clean dentures before storing them for the night. The ADA notes that a soft denture toothbrush and denture cleaner can be used to remove plaque and other debris that accumulates on dentures during the day. Hand soap and mild dishwashing liquids are also acceptable for cleaning dentures, but the ADA warns never to use harsh powdered cleansers or bleach.

• 3

  Place the dentures in a glass, bowl or other container filled with warm water or a soaking solution made for dentures. The ADA warns that partial dentures with metallic components might tarnish when placed in some soaking solutions; always ask your dentist if these products are appropriate.