Everyone wants a bright, white smile, even if you have dentures. However, even the brightest set of dentures can become discolored over time. The good news is that there are ways you can whiten your false teeth and avoid staining in the future. Read on to learn more about the do’s and don’t of whitening your dentures as well as how you can keep them white going forward.
How to Whiten Your Dentures
There are two main ways to clean up your dentures so they look new again:
Professional Denture Cleaning
Ask your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaned. This way, they can remove surface stains and polish them. They will look brand new, and it doesn’t take very long. Many people who have dentures get this done twice a year to keep their smile fresh.
At-Home Denture Cleaning
If you aren’t ready to have your dentures professionally cleaned, purchase a non-abrasive denture cleaner. This may be all you need to restore your dentures to their original shade. By leaving them soaking overnight, a denture cleaner helps to loosen and remove both stains and deposit buildup. If you are unsure about a particular product or solution, ask your dentist. This way, they can give you proper guidance.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures
Here are some methods you should avoid when it comes to restoring your dentures:
- Abrasive products: If you’re using the wrong products, they can actually damage your dentures. Be sure to avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes, harsh toothpaste, and harsh cleaners. You don’t want to ruin the brightness of your dentures.
- At-home teeth whitening solutions: These types of solutions, like whitening toothpaste and bleaching products, are not made for and are not usually safe for dentures.
- Hot water: This is a great method for cleaning certain objects, but dentures are not one of them. If you place them in water that is too hot, your dentures can become warped and permanently damaged.
How to Prevent Dentures from Staining
- Rinse and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner when you remove them at night.
- Cut back on highly pigmented foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and dark-colored berries.
- Brush or rinse your dentures on the occasions where you do have a highly pigmented food or drink.
Dentures can become dull and discolored over time, but by using the tips listed above, you can restore their brightness and feel confident to show off your smile once again!
About the Author
Dr. Christina Blacher earned her dental doctorate from Midwestern University. She has received extensive training in many dental topics, including advanced Invisalign training, Botox and dermal fillers for facial pain, and dental implant placement. She is laser certified and an Invisalign Preferred Provider. For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment at her office in Allen, visit her website or call (214) 383-5511.
