Modern dentures can believably replace many missing teeth while being incredibly comfortable. Since they do such a good job at restoring your smile, you should show them some love by keeping them looking their best. Here are some ways to clean stains from your dentures while keeping them looking their brightest.
Whitening Your Dentures at Home
To brighten your dentures from the convenience of your own home, regularly use an approved non-abrasive dental cleaner to get the stains out while keeping the white in. Overnight soaking in denture cleaner can work wonders for removing stains and loosening built-up deposits. A thorough brushing of the appliance afterward can dislodge any lingering accumulation.
Having Your Dentures Whitened by a Professional
If at-home whitening isn’t doing the trick, talk to your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaned. Your dentist can clean away surface stains before polishing your dentures so they look like new in only a few minutes. This should typically be done twice a year unless your dentist recommends otherwise. If cost is a concern, you can get it done at a discounted rate at a dental school or from a low-cost or free dental clinic in your area.
Protecting Your Dentures from Stains
Daily cleaning is the best way to keep your dentures white and bright. Every night before going to bed, remove your dentures and rinse them to dislodge any food particles or other debris before gently brushing them using a non-abrasive cleaner. This routine will prevent anything stuck to your dentures from having enough time to cause stains or discoloration.
You can also prevent stains by avoiding excessive consumption of highly pigmented items such as coffee, berries, tomato sauce, and red wine. When you do indulge in such pleasures, be sure to clean your dentures or at least give them a quick rinse afterward. Smoking is also a notorious culprit of staining and discoloration of dentures, so cutting the habit is a great way to keep your artificial teeth healthy and bright.
Your dentures do a lot to keep the beauty in your smile and variety in your diet, so they deserve a little help in looking their best. With proper care and regular dental visits, you can keep your dentures in working order and attractive condition for up to a decade.
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin earned her doctorate at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where she was selected for the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society, an honor given to a small group of hardworking and dedicated dental students. She proudly serves as a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association. Her office in Springfield, NJ offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as denture services. For more information on denture care, contact her online or dial (973) 949-0925.