How to Clean a Dental Appliance: 5 Safe Methods for Dentures, Retainers, and Mouthguards

If you wear dentures, a retainer, or a mouthguard, keeping it clean is essential for your oral health and the longevity of your appliance. You should clean your removable dental appliance at least once daily, and ideally after meals to prevent food particles and plaque from building up. Regular cleaning helps prevent odors, stains, warping, scratches, and fit issues that can shorten your appliance's lifespan.

Brush Your Dental Appliance Daily with a Soft-Bristled Brush

Just like your natural teeth, your dental appliance needs daily brushing to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Clean it every day. Brush your dental appliance at least once a day, and clean it after meals when you can so debris does not dry onto the surface.

• Use a soft-bristled brush. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of your appliance. Some dental appliances come with their own specialized brushes.

• Use safe cleaners. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner, a cleanser made for dental appliances, or mild hand soap.

• Don’t use toothpaste. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for many appliances, and it can scratch the surface, create tiny grooves, and trap bacteria.

• Clean over a protected sink. Hold the appliance over a folded towel or a basin of water to reduce the chance of breakage if you drop it.

• Scrub gently and rinse well. Gently scrub all surfaces of the appliance, paying special attention to areas that come into contact with your gums and teeth, and rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.

Pro Tip: For appliances like retainers or clear aligners, consider using a brush specifically designed for orthodontic devices to ensure you reach all the crevices. Before you reinsert the appliance, brush your teeth, brush your tongue and gums, and rinse your mouth. If you want more background on retainers, see what is a dental retainer.

Soak Your Appliance in a Non-Abrasive Cleaner

Soaking your dental appliance in a specialized cleaning solution disinfects it and removes deposits that brushing may miss. Here's how to do it:

• Choose the right cleaner. Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for dental appliances, such as denture soaking tablets or a manufacturer-approved cleanser for retainers and mouthguards.

• Follow the timing instructions. Soak the appliance for 10 to 15 minutes for routine cleaning unless the product label or your dentist gives a different time. Use an overnight soak only when the cleaner and the appliance instructions say it’s safe.

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner only when approved. An ultrasonic cleaner can work well for some dentures, but some oral appliance materials, attachments, or metal parts should not go in one unless the manufacturer or your dentist says it’s appropriate.

• Rinse thoroughly. After soaking, rinse the appliance thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water to remove any residual cleaning solution.

• Avoid harsh products. Don’t use bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, vinegar, household cleaners, or boiling water because they can discolor, dry out, or warp the appliance.

Pro Tip: If you want a step-by-step routine for dentures, see our denture cleaning guide.

Use Cool or Lukewarm Water Only

Hot water can damage dental appliances, especially those made from plastic or flexible materials. Use cool or lukewarm water when cleaning or rinsing your appliance:

• Rinse with safe water temperatures. Use cool or lukewarm water during brushing and after soaking.

• Test the temperature first. If the water feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dental appliance.

• Protect the fit. Keep hot and boiling water away from appliances like flexible partial dentures, clear aligners, and mouthguards because heat can warp them and change how they fit.

Pro Tip: Store your appliance in a safe, cool place when not in use to protect it from temperature fluctuations.

Check for Cracks, Stains, and Fit Changes

After rinsing, dry the appliance as directed and inspect it regularly so you can catch small problems before they turn into breakage or mouth irritation:

• Dry it so you can inspect it clearly. Pat the appliance dry with a clean towel, or let it dry as directed, before you check the surface.

• Check for cracks or chips. Examine your appliance for any cracks, chips, or rough spots that could lead to discomfort or further damage.

• Look for stains and plaque buildup. Persistent discoloration can point to missed cleaning areas or deposits that need professional advice.

• Watch for fit changes. If your appliance feels loose, uncomfortable, or different from its usual fit, it may need adjustment or replacement.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your appliance is in good condition and still fits properly. You can also review custom denture care tips and learn how to make dentures last longer.

Store Your Appliance in a Clean Protective Case

Proper storage keeps your dental appliance clean, protected, and ready to wear:

• Use a protective case. Store your appliance in a clean, dry protective case designed for dental appliances.

• Clean the case regularly. Wash the protective case with mild soap and water, and let it dry before you use it again.

• Air dry before storing when allowed. Air dry before putting it in its storage case when the care instructions allow.

• Keep dentures moist when required. Some dental appliances, like dentures, should be kept moist when not in use to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. Follow the care instructions provided with your appliance.

• Keep it off counters and nightstands. Don’t leave the appliance out on a counter or nightstand where it can collect bacteria, get knocked to the floor, or dry out in heat or direct sunlight.

Pro Tip: Label your storage case with your name or a distinctive mark to avoid mix-ups, especially in shared living spaces.

Common Dental Appliance Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t scrub with toothpaste or a stiff brush. Abrasive cleaning products can scratch the surface and make future plaque buildup easier.

• Don’t soak in bleach, alcohol-based mouthwash, or household cleaners. These products can damage the material and change the color of the appliance.

• Don’t use hot or boiling water. Heat can warp plastic and flexible materials and change the fit.

• Don’t skip the rinse step. Cleaning solution left on the appliance can irritate your mouth.

• Don’t leave the appliance loose on a counter or nightstand. A protective case lowers the risk of contamination, drying, and accidental breakage.

When to Call Your Dentist About Your Dental Appliance

Call your dentist if your dental appliance cracks, chips, smells bad after cleaning, keeps staining, or starts to feel loose, tight, or painful. You should also ask for guidance if you’re unsure about overnight soaking, cleaner compatibility, or whether an ultrasonic cleaner is safe for your appliance.

Keep Your Appliance Clean and Your Smile Strong With Revived Smiles

Clean your dental appliance every day by brushing it, soaking it in a non-abrasive cleaner, rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water, drying it as directed, and storing it in a protective case. This routine cuts plaque buildup, odor, stains, and warping, and it gives your appliance a better chance to stay comfortable and functional for years.

If your partial denture is worn, cracked, or no longer fits well, Revived Smiles can help with your next step. Get Your Custom Partial Denture from Revived Smiles if you need a replacement that fits your smile and your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dental appliance?

Clean a removable dental appliance at least once a day. If possible, rinse or brush it after meals to remove food particles before they harden on the surface.

Can I use toothpaste to clean a retainer, denture, or mouthguard?

No. Don’t use toothpaste because it can scratch the surface of a retainer, denture, or mouthguard and create places for bacteria to collect.

What water temperature is safe for cleaning a dental appliance?

Use cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot or boiling water because it can warp many dental appliances and change the fit.

Should I soak my dental appliance overnight?

Only soak it overnight if the cleaner label, the appliance instructions, or your dentist says that method is safe. Many removable appliances only need 10 to 15 minutes in a soaking solution.

How do I store my dental appliance when I’m not wearing it?

Store it in a clean protective case after rinsing it and drying it as directed. If the care instructions for your denture say to keep it moist, follow those instructions.