Modern dentures are incredibly comfortable and stunningly lifelike, allowing them to realistically recreate the smiles of millions of patients. While dentures are made from durable, high-quality materials, they can still acquire stains over time and still require proper care and maintenance to keep working well and looking great. Here are a few excellent ways to prevent stains and discoloration in your dentures so they can look great for the long haul.
How Can I Prevent Stains on My Dentures?
The best way to prevent stains from developing on your dentures is to clean them daily. Your mouth needs at least eight hours apart from your dentures every day so it can rest and clean itself, and most patients remove theirs for this reason before they go to bed. When you remove your dentures, rinse them to flush away food debris and gently brush them with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner.
Foods and drinks that are heavy in pigments and dyes like coffee, red wine, berries, tea, and tomato sauce can cause discoloration over time. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge in these treats occasionally, be sure to give your dentures a quick rinse afterward when you do.
How Can I Whiten My Dentures?
If the stains are not too severe, you may be able to whiten your dentures at home with an overnight soak in a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Otherwise, you should talk to your dentist about treating the stains. A dentist can recommend another at-home cleaning solution or perform a denture cleaning. Professional denture cleanings are recommended twice a year, and they can remove surface stains and polish the dentures to make them look like new in minutes.
What Whitening Methods Should I Avoid?
While it may be tempting to experiment with denture whitening methods, this is not advisable, and you should stick to the methods recommended by your dentist. A few ways you should not attempt include:
- Tooth-whitening kits are ineffective at whitening dentures and can damage the artificial teeth.
- Abrasive cleaning products such as hard toothbrushes or harsh pastes or cleansers can scuff up dentures, ruining their sheen.
- Hot or cold water can cause your dentures to warp. Use warm or lukewarm water whenever cleaning or rinsing your dentures.
While your dentures might have lost some of their luster, there are many ways to give them a new shine. Consulting with your dentist can determine which way of whitening your dentures is appropriate for you.
About the Practice
Boston Smile Center is dedicated to providing outstanding dentistry to the people of Brookline, MA. Led by Drs. Alan Sasson and Avi Shainhouse, the staff ensures each patient receives effective treatments while maintaining a clean and comfortable environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. For more information on caring for your dentures, contact the office online or dial (617) 739-1017.