How to Prevent Denture Infections & Irritation | Dentist-Designed Guide

How to Prevent Denture Infections, Irritation & Sore Gums


⭐ Why Denture Infections & Irritation Happen

Denture infections and irritation usually develop when bacteria or yeast collect on your denture or in your mouth. The most common causes include:

  • Not cleaning your mouth daily

  • Using toothpaste on dentures (too abrasive)

  • Sleeping with dentures

  • Not soaking dentures overnight

  • Food and plaque trapped under the denture

  • Poor-fitting or old dentures

  • Dry mouth

  • Harsh chemical cleansers

  • Not cleaning implant abutments or soft liners correctly

The good news:
Most soreness, irritation, and infections are preventable with the right routine and products.


⭐ Step-by-Step System to Prevent Infections & Irritation

This is the doctor-designed protocol.


⭐  Step 1: Clean Your Mouth Twice Daily

Use: Cleanadent Paste + Ergonomic Toothbrush

Even if you have no teeth, your mouth must be cleaned:

Brush:

  • Gums

  • Tongue

  • Cheeks

  • Roof of mouth

  • Implant attachments or housings

This removes bacteria, prevents yeast infections (denture stomatitis), and reduces irritation.


⭐ Step 2: Clean Your Denture Properly Each Morning

Use: Cleanadent Paste (Non-abrasive)

Avoid toothpaste — it scratches dentures, allowing bacteria to grow and stick to microabrasions.

Gently clean your denture and rinse thoroughly.


⭐ Step 3: Deep-Clean Every Night (Soak Overnight)

Use:

Nightly soaking:

  • Removes bacteria

  • Prevents infections

  • Dissolves odor-causing buildup

  • Reduces irritation

  • Extends denture lifespan

Never sleep with dentures in — this increases infection risk by 300%+ according to multiple clinical studies.


⭐ Step 4: Clean Throughout the Day

Use: Cleanadent Wipes

After meals or snacks, wipes help remove:

  • Food debris

  • Adhesive

  • Odor-causing bacteria

This prevents irritation that builds throughout the day.


⭐ Step 5: Use a Gentle, Moisturizing Adhesive

Use: Adhesadent — ADA Accepted

Adhesadent creates a smooth cushioning layer that reduces friction and irritation.
Its moisturizing ingredients also help relieve dry mouth — a major cause of gum soreness.

Avoid zinc-based adhesive products if you’re sensitive.


⭐ The Best Dentist-Recommended Products for Prevention

Cleanadent Paste

Cleans BOTH your mouth and denture safely. ADA Accepted.

Liquid Crystal Soak Cleanser

Deep-cleans without harsh chemicals.

Powder Crystal Cleanser

Convenient travel-friendly packets that dissolve biofilm.

Cleanadent Wipes

Perfect for removing debris and bacteria throughout the day.

Adhesadent Denture Adhesive

Moisturizing formula prevents irritation while giving comfortable retention.

Ergonomic Denture & Mouth Toothbrush

Dual-head brush for dentures and mouth tissues.

Denture Starter Kit

The complete system for daily hygiene and comfort.


⭐  Common Mistakes That Cause Irritation (Avoid These)

Use red ❌ icons.

❌ Using toothpaste on your dentures

Scratches acrylic → traps bacteria → causes infection.

❌ Sleeping with dentures

Highest risk factor for irritation & yeast infections.

❌ Not cleaning soft liners properly

Soft liners require gentle cleansers like Cleanadent Paste and Liquid Crystal.

❌ Using bleach or harsh chemicals

Damages dentures & burns tissues.

❌ Not cleaning your mouth

Bacteria on gums transfer to dentures.

❌ Leaving food trapped under dentures

Causes inflammation, odor, and soreness.


⭐ Signs of Denture Infection (When to Act Quickly)

Look for:

  • Redness

  • Bad breath

  • Sore spots

  • Burning sensation

  • White patches

  • Cracks at the corners of your mouth

  • Pain when wearing dentures

If symptoms persist, contact your dentist to rule out denture stomatitis.

Why Proper Denture Cleaning Matters

Dentures collect food, bacteria, yeast, plaque, and biofilm, just like natural teeth. If not cleaned properly, this can lead to:

  • Denture stomatitis (yeast infection)

  • Odor and bad taste

  • Irritation and sore spots

  • Poor denture fit

  • Gum inflammation

  • Long-term material damage

Using the wrong products — like toothpaste or harsh bleach tablets — can scratch dentures, weaken materials, and harm soft liners.

That’s why proper technique and the right products matter.

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How to Clean Dentures Properly

Daily routine for cleaning dentures and maintaining healthy oral tissues.
1

Clean your mouth

Use Cleanadent Paste and the Dr. B Denture & Mouth extra-soft toothbrush to brush gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.

Purpose: Promote healthy gums, remove biofilm and prevent oral infections like thrush.

2

Brush your denture

Use Cleanadent Paste and the Dr. B Denture & Mouth extra-soft toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your denture. Avoid toothpaste.
3

Clean after meals

Use Cleanadent Wipes to remove food debris and bacteria while away from home.
4

Soak overnight

Soak your denture using the Liquid Crystal or Powder Crystal Soak Cleanser with the Dr. B Ultrasonic Cleaner for up to 20 minutes daily for deep cleaning.
Cleanadent Paste - Dr. B Dental Solutions toothpaste for cleaning dentures, implants, all-on-4 and all dental prosthetics 8

Morning Routine: Clean Your Mouth

1. Brush Your Mouth (Yes — even if you have no teeth)

Use: Cleanadent Paste + Ergonomic Toothbrush to Clean:

  • Gums

  • Tongue

  • Cheeks

  • Roof of mouth

  • Implant abutments or housings (if applicable)

This removes bacteria, prevents infections, and keeps your breath fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use toothpaste to clean my dentures?

No. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch dentures. Use a non-abrasive cleanser like Cleanadent Paste instead.

Do I need to clean my mouth if I have no teeth?

Yes. Cleaning your gums, tongue, and cheeks removes bacteria and helps prevent irritation, infection, and denture stomatitis.

What is the best denture cleanser?

Liquid Crystal is recommended for home use because it cleans deeply without harsh chemicals. Powder Crystal packets are ideal for travel.

How often should I soak my dentures?

Dentists recommend soaking dentures every night to remove bacteria, stains, and odor that brushing alone cannot remove.