What Is The Best Way To Store Dentures?
Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Jade Roberts
Fact Checked by Jaismine Singh (General Dentist)
Jaismine Singh is a general dental practitioner, currently working in a charitable hospital. She has a strong interest in dental and medical writing and has a track record of many types of publications. She has expertise in writing and fact-checking book chapters and review articles. During her academic years, she was involved in research and presented papers and posters.
Table of Contents
- 1 Do You Have To Take Your Dentures Out At Night?
- 2 How Do You Take Out Dentures?
- 3 How Do You Store Dentures Overnight?
- 4 How To Store Dentures For A Long Period Of Time
- 5 How Do I Take Care Of My New Dentures?
- 6 Why Do You Have To Keep Dentures In Water?
- 7 Are There Other Solutions Besides Water I Can Soak My Dentures In?
- 8 For More Information
- 9 Denture Storage FAQs
- 9.1 How often should I clean my denture case?
- 9.2 Is it safe to store dentures in water overnight?
- 9.3 Can I store my dentures in a plastic bag or container?
- 9.4 How do I prevent my denture case from developing an odor?
- 9.5 Should I store my dentures in a dry or moist environment?
- 9.6 Can I use vinegar to clean my denture case?
- 9.7 How do I properly sanitize my denture case?
- 9.8 Are there any special precautions I should take to store dentures if I have arthritis or mobility issues?
- 9.9 Is it necessary to soak my dentures in a denture cleaner every day?
- 10 Conclusion
Even though dentures help and allow you to eat, speak, and smile properly when they are inside your mouth, they require very different care compared to your natural teeth.
Although dentures are essentially fake teeth, constructed from manmade materials, they need to be taken care of in different ways from natural teeth. This includes how you store dentures when not in use.
An important consideration is how the dentures are stored when you are not wearing them. It is not advised to sleep with your false teeth in because your gums, tongue, and jaw require a break. When you leave dentures in for extended periods of time you risk developing oral health issues.
Regardless of whether or not you have started wearing your first set of dentures, or have been a false teeth wearer for years, the same guidelines apply. When you take proper care of your dental appliance it will last a long time.
Let’s take a look at common questions about denture care.
Do You Have To Take Your Dentures Out At Night?
By removing your dentures from your mouth on a daily basis you do several things for your oral health. Pressure is relieved from the soft tissue of your mouth when you take out your false teeth. Also, when that soft tissue is uncovered it gets a chance to breathe and get covered in saliva.
When you are not wearing dentures at night you prevent the soft tissue in your mouth from drying out. This includes your palate and gums. The pressure created by wearing dentures can lead to bone loss so giving your mouth and jaw a break each night will keep them healthy and strong.
How Do You Take Out Dentures?
Safety is always paramount when handling false teeth. This is why you should first fill a sink with warm water prior to removing your dentures. This precaution is so that if they are accidentally dropped they will land in the water preventing breakage or any kind of damage.
The next step is to rinse your mouth with either warm water or an alcohol-free mouthwash. This moistens the dentures and gives them a gentle cleaning to remove larger food particles. You can then remove the uppers by pressing a thumb against the inside of your front teeth.
By pushing up and out towards your nose you release the seal that has held the top denture in place. The removal of bottom dentures is different in that you can loosen the seal by rocking them gently and pulling slowly. Do not use anything other than your fingers to remove false teeth.
How Do You Store Dentures Overnight?
Because your false teeth are always wet when they are in your mouth, they must stay moist and this will affect how to store dentures overnight. After giving them a good cleaning they can be left in a glass of water or a denture-cleaning solution to keep them from drying out.
Because the material your false teeth are made from is acrylic with a plastic base, you do not want them to dry out as it may create cracks. Plus, when you store dentures in hot or boiling water it can cause other damage such as warping which could affect how they fit in your mouth.
The container you use to hold your dentures overnight can be a glass or a plastic holder with a lid made just for false teeth. Regardless of what you use, you must ensure that the container is in a location where it cannot be knocked over. Dentures can be damaged when dropped to the floor.
How To Store Dentures For A Long Period Of Time
You may have a spare set of dentures and need to keep them safe in case anything happens to the set you use every day. This is great and means that you won’t have to go without teeth should something unforeseen happen to your regular pair.
However, dentures are not meant to be stored for long periods without special care. You can’t just throw your spare dentures into the back of your cupboard or your top drawer. You still need to store your dentures for a long period of time correctly.
Similarly to storing your dentures overnight, they must not be allowed to dry out, which may make them brittle or warp. It’s a good idea to keep them in a denture storage box. However, you will need to check the water level regularly to ensure that they do not dry out over time.
You should also change the water in your denture storage container every now and then to prevent bacteria buildup and contamination.
If you have stored your dentures for a long period of time and need to use them, make sure to give them a thorough cleaning before use. Also, remember that your mouth and gums will change shape over time. So if you used this old pair of dentures regularly a while ago, they may not fit as well as they once did. However, they may be able to get you out of trouble so you can avoid going toothless until your proper set of false teeth are repaired or replaced.
How Do I Take Care Of My New Dentures?
The best way to take care of your false teeth is by following a proper denture cleaning routine. By cleaning them thoroughly each day you will not only remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup, but you will also remove odors. A regular cleaning routine will also extend the life of your dentures.
When you remove dentures at night you can clean them by brushing them. However, you cannot brush them as you would natural teeth. False teeth can be damaged easily so in order to clean them properly, you need to use a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dentures.
Holding them carefully, by using a soft bristle brush and warm water you can gently brush away denture adhesive paste residue, food particles, and plaque. Another extremely effective way to clean false teeth is by using either a water bath containing a denture-soaking solution or an ultrasonic denture cleaner.
For a more detailed look at how to clean and take care of your new dentures, please have a look at this article.
Why Do You Have To Keep Dentures In Water?
As stated above, you should never let your false teeth dry out. When they are constantly kept moist and wet false teeth keep their shape. When they become warped or even slightly misshapen, it has a tremendous effect on how they will fit and sit in your mouth.
With dentures that do not fit properly, you risk developing sores in your mouth. There are other problems that can occur and they include problems speaking, eating, and smiling. When your dentures do not fit correctly you must see a dentist to have them adjusted to correct the problem.
Water is the safest liquid to leave your dentures overnight because it will keep them moist and protected from the elements. Hot and cold temperatures should be avoided, which will keep the false teeth from experiencing damage from either extreme.
Are There Other Solutions Besides Water I Can Soak My Dentures In?
In addition to water for soaking dentures, there are several cleaning solutions specially formulated for false teeth. You could also use one of many different do-it-yourself solutions for the same purpose. However, do not use cleansers that can bleach false teeth.
Harsh chemicals can cause different kinds of damage to false teeth. For dentures with metal clips, tarnishing may result. Bleaching can alter the color and look of false teeth and other chemicals can break down the acrylic or plastic composition of the denture material.
After soaking dentures in any kind of cleaning solution it is important to rinse them off completely before putting them back into your mouth. Denture cleansers can cause irritations with the soft tissue in your mouth which could develop into sores or other painful infections.
For More Information
To learn more about properly taking care of your false teeth, consult with your dental professional. They can assist you by showing you how to keep your dentures clean and what solutions work best. You can also search online for additional information on this.
As for why you should not wear your dentures when you sleep, make sure that you have a look at the short YouTube video below. In it, you will discover some of the side effects of long-term denture wearing and how to prevent them from developing in your mouth.
Denture Storage FAQs
How often should I clean my denture case?
Your denture case should be cleaned after each use, or at least daily. The reason for this is to prevent harmful bacteria from building up and a clean denture case will help to keep your false teeth clean and fresh.
Cleaning your denture case is simple. All you need to do is rinse it under running water and gently scrub the inside and outside of the case with a soft-bristled brush with soap and warm water. To disinfect the case, you can use a denture cleaning tablet or solution.
It is also a good idea to replace your denture case every six months. Plus, if your case gets damaged, it should be replaced right away as a damaged case can hide bacteria.
Is it safe to store dentures in water overnight?
It is safe to store dentures in water overnight. However, you must use the right kind of water. For example, room temperature or lukewarm water is best. Do not use hot water as this can cause the dentures to warp.
Be sure to clean your dentures properly before storing them overnight in water. In the morning, remember to rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth to avoid swallowing harmful chemicals, if you soak them in a denture cleaning solution.
Can I store my dentures in a plastic bag or container?
You should not store dentures in a plastic bag or container for extended periods. This is because dentures can lose their shape or could be damaged in some way. Also, plastic bags and containers may not provide enough ventilation which can lead to bacterial growth.
The best solution is to store dentures in a denture case designed specifically for this task. Such a case will have a lid and will keep your dentures safe and secure when they are not being used. If you find that you must transport your dentures in a plastic bag or container, wrap them in a damp cloth or paper towel to keep them from drying out or getting damaged. Do not do this for extended periods and store your dentures properly as soon as you can.
How do I prevent my denture case from developing an odor?
If you clean your denture case regularly and store it in a dry and well-ventilated area, it should not develop an odor. However, here are some tips to assist with that:
– After each use, rinse your denture case with warm water
– Clean your denture case daily with mild soap or a denture cleaning solution, and a soft-bristled toothbrush
– Before storing your dentures inside your just-cleaned denture case, allow it to air dry first
– Store your denture case when not in use in a cool, dry place with good ventilation
– Disinfect the inside of your denture case by using a denture cleaning tablet or solution.
You can keep your denture case clean and fresh by following these cleaning tips.
Should I store my dentures in a dry or moist environment?
Your dentures should be stored in a moist environment. This prevents them from drying out and becoming damaged. It is best to store your dentures in a case designed specifically for denture storage with enough water or a denture-soaking solution to cover the dentures.
Can I use vinegar to clean my denture case?
Vinegar can be used to clean your denture case. It is a natural cleaning agent that can remove stains and bacteria from the surface of your denture case. Here’s the best way to use vinegar for this purpose:
– Fill a small container with equal parts of white vinegar and water
– Place your denture case into the container and let it soak in the mixture for half an hour or more
– Remove the denture case and scrub it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
– Rinse the case completely with clean water
– Allow the case to air dry.
How do I properly sanitize my denture case?
The reason why you would want to properly sanitize your denture case is to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Here is how you can do that:
– Wash your hands before handling your denture case
– Use lukewarm water to rinse your denture case and remove any loose debris
– Mix one part water with one part vinegar in another container
– Put your denture case in the solution letting it soak for about 30 minutes
– After you remove it from the soaking solution, gently brush your denture case with a soft-bristled toothbrush
– With clean water, rinse the denture case once more and let it air dry
– Repeat this cleaning routine at least once a week.
Also, depending on wear and tear, you should replace your denture case every 6 to 12 months.
Are there any special precautions I should take to store dentures if I have arthritis or mobility issues?
There are a few precautions to consider with storing your dentures if you have arthritis or mobility issues. They include:
– Look for a denture case that is easy to open and takes minimal effort to access
– Consider using a brightly colored denture case to make it easy to find
– Place a non-slip mat under the denture case to keep it from moving or sliding when stored on a flat surface
– Keep your denture case somewhere handy so it can be easy to access
– If handling your dentures is difficult, ask your dentist for solutions that may include denture adhesives or other products that will hold dentures securely
– Pack your denture case in a secure location when traveling.
Is it necessary to soak my dentures in a denture cleaner every day?
Although daily soaking of dentures is not strictly necessary, it is a part of good denture hygiene. Soaking your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution serves several purposes. It helps keep them clean by removing stains, bacteria, and odors. It also keeps them from drying out and warping or losing their shape.
Conclusion
By taking care of your dentures you are also taking care of your oral health. Some of the steps involved when looking after your dentures do vary compared to natural teeth. Then there are some completely new steps, like having to store dentures overnight or when traveling. However, once you get into a routine, it is pretty easy. Just follow the steps above and your dentures will last a long time.
