Are You Storing Your Dentures the Right Way? The Risks of Improper Storage and How to Avoid Them

Improper storage can silently sabotage your dentures—and your oral health. At Grishin Denture Specialist in Spokane, WA, we routinely see issues caused not by poor denture quality, but by poor care habits at home. One of the most common? Storing dentures incorrectly—like in plain water, a dry container, or worse, not storing them at all. What you do between wears can drastically impact your denture’s longevity, fit, and safety.

🦷 The Science Behind Denture Storage: Why It Matters

Denture materials—typically made from acrylic resin, and sometimes reinforced with metal or flexible polymers—are porous and highly sensitive to their environment. When dentures are left dry, the acrylic can warp or crack due to shrinkage. When soaked improperly (in just water or sugary beverages, for instance), bacterial growth and fungal contamination can occur.

According to a 2023 report in the Journal of Prosthodontic Research, 68% of denture-related fungal infections were linked to improper overnight storage. Warm, stagnant water—especially in open cups or dirty containers—acts as a breeding ground for Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for denture stomatitis.

What Happens When You Leave Dentures in

Plain Water?

Many patients think a glass of water is enough—but it’s not. Here’s why:

• Water lacks antimicrobial protection: Plain water does not kill bacteria or fungi.

• Tap water may contain minerals: These can stain or degrade acrylic materials.

• Open containers allow airborne contamination: Leaving dentures exposed increases exposure to dust, bacteria, and insects.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Bad odors or tastes in the denture

• Biofilm buildup and discoloration

• Irritation or infections in the gums

• Premature breakdown of denture materials

Ideal Denture Storage Conditions: What the Experts Recommend

To maintain both hygiene and structural integrity, dentures should be stored in a closed, ventilated container and soaked in a professional denture cleaning solution. These solutions contain ingredients like alkaline peroxide, which help break down biofilms, eliminate odors, and kill harmful microorganisms.

Key Recommendations:

• Use only non-abrasive, dentist-approved cleaning solutions overnight

• Avoid bleach-based cleaners unless specifically instructed (they can corrode metal clasps)

• Rinse thoroughly before reinserting

• Keep container out of direct sunlight or heat

• Replace storage containers every few months to prevent biofilm accumulation

🛑 What Not to Do with Denture Storage

Avoid these common mistakes:

Mistake	Why It's Harmful
Leaving dentures out overnight	Leads to warping and microbial contamination
Storing in mouthwash or hot water	Alcohol or heat can degrade materials
Using toothpaste as a soak	Abrasive particles scratch the surface, encouraging buildup
Wrapping in napkins or tissues	Easy to lose or damage, especially in public settings

One survey published in Gerontology found that 1 in 4 denture users have accidentally thrown their prosthetic away after wrapping it in a napkin.

🧼 Cleaning vs. Storing: Know the Difference

Storage is not a replacement for cleaning. Dentures should be:

1. Brushed daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser

2. Soaked overnight in an antimicrobial solution

3. Rinsed thoroughly before reinsertion

   
   

Failing to clean properly can cause biofilm (similar to plaque) to harden, reducing the fit and comfort of your denture. Biofilm can also house bacteria that trigger inflammatory oral diseases or even contribute to aspirational pneumonia in elderly patients.

Fast Facts: Why Denture Storage Habits Matter

• 💧 Dry storage = 30% increase in material warping after 7 days (ADA Lab Study, 2021)

• 🦠 Improper storage increases risk of denture stomatitis by 2.6x (JPR, 2023)

• 🔬 Candida biofilm can begin forming in as little as 6 hours on poorly cleaned surfaces (Clinical Oral Investigations, 2020)

• 🛑 Hot water over 140°F can permanently deform denture acrylic

• 🔄 Lack of proper storage shortens denture lifespan by 1–2 years on average

  
  

Conclusion

Improper denture storage does more than compromise appearance—it can damage your prosthetics, harm your oral tissues, and lead to costly replacements. Whether you're storing your dentures overnight or between meals, the container, solution, and conditions matter.

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake—offering

expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs.

If your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable, or you're unsure if you're storing them correctly, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can help assess your current routine and make recommendations to protect your smile. For anyone searching for a dependable Spokane denture clinic, we’re here to help you care for your dentures properly—so they last longer and work better.

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