How to Clean and Whiten Dentures

Full or partial dentures require just as much care and maintenance as natural teeth. Food, beverages and tobacco can stain the synthetic material, while bacteria can grow and multiply on the dentures. In addition to regular cleanings, you can soak your dentures once a week in a bleach or vinegar solution to help whiten them and remove lingering odors. Take care when handling your dentures, because they can break easily if dropped onto hard surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Denture cleaner
• Baking soda
• Denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush
• White vinegar
• Liquid bleach

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Instructions

• 1

  Rinse your dentures under warm running water to remove any food debris.

• 2

  Place a towel over the counter or sink while brushing them to prevent breakage if you drop them.

• 3

  Place a strip of denture cleaner on a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use baking soda for whitening. Brush the dentures thoroughly with the brush, getting between the teeth and all sides.

• 4

  Rinse the dentures thoroughly with warm water.

• 5

  Fill a container with equal parts white vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can use 1 teaspoon of liquid bleach in 2 cups of water. Place the dentures in the vinegar solution to soak overnight, or in the bleach solution for 15 minutes.

• 6

  Remove the dentures from the container, and rinse them well under warm running water. Brush them again, and they're ready to use.