Just like natural teeth, dentures can stain and discolor over time as a result of improper cleaning or the frequent consumption of teeth/denture staining foods.
Luckily, keeping your dentures clean and stain free over time isn’t difficult – thoroughly brushing and the use of denture cleansers should nip the majority of the stains in the stage before they get a chance to form.
Keep reading to find out what are the best ways to keep your dentures white, and which ones you should avoid!
Are you a frequent coffee drinker? Do you enjoy a nice glass of red wine after dinner? Do you love berries? Luckily, you don’t have to say goodbye to your morning cup of coffee – but you’ll still need to take extra steps to prevent your dentures from getting stained.
After drinking red wine, for example, it’s best to remove your dentures and rinse them under warm water to prevent any stains. Likewise, you can use a straw to drink coffee without staining your dentures.
Using a denture cleanser on a regular basis can prevent plaque from building up on your dentures and keep them looking white. What’s more, denture cleansers get rid of the bacteria that can cause bad breath.
If you’re not sure which brand to choose, feel free to consult with your denturist
To preserve the shape of your dentures over time, it’s important to soak them every night in a container filled with water.
This is a great opportunity for you to whiten your dentures, as there are specially made overnight denture cleansers with brightening properties that will keep them looking healthy and white.
When it comes to brushing your dentures, it’s crucial to use a special denture toothbrush as a regular one can cause scratches and damage them. Such toothbrushes are also easier to use and quickly get the job done!
Likewise, avoid using regular toothpaste as it can contain chemicals that are too harsh for your dentures.
Despite your best efforts, it’s still possible that stains will build up over time, causing your dentures to lose their white shine. In that case, feel free to call your denturist and ask whether you could get your dentures professionally cleaned. A the Denture Clinic your denturist will use ultrasonic solution and will re polish your dentures to look like they are brand new.
The entire process usually takes less than half an hour and is very effective at getting stubborn stains out of your dentures. Unless otherwise recommended by your denturist, you can get them professionally cleaned twice a year.
While whitening toothpaste can help people who still have their natural teeth achieve a brighter smile, they can only damage your dentures. Plus, it won’t brighten them, so you’ll be wasting your time and money. Also toothpaste is abrasive and will scratch the denture surface, and will cause bacteria and stains easily attached to the denture.
Hot or boiling water is great at getting stubborn stains out of dishes but when it comes to dentures? Not so much. Hot water will warp the shape of the dentures and you won’t be able to put them back in, requiring an immediate visit to your denture clinic and have your dentures replaced.
Another surefire way to damage your dentures is to use bleach to clean them. Although the internet offers numerous tips on how you can use bleach to brighten your dentures (including diluting the bleach with water), it’s best to avoid this method.
A much safer alternative to bleach is a baking soda solution – simply mix a teaspoon or two of baking soda with water and leave your dentures in soaking for a short period of time without brushing them.
Dentures demand the same amount of attention as natural teeth – if not more! Keeping them white requires careful daily cleaning with special products that won’t damage them or warp their shape.
Don’t forget to get them professionally cleaned at least twice a year at your denture clinic. This way, you can rest assured all bacteria and built-up stains are removed!
