If you have suffered from extensive tooth loss, dentures are an excellent way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. While the materials used to make your dentures are stain resistant, they can still become discolored over time. By taking all of the right steps and caring for them properly, you can keep them looking clean and white for as long as possible. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.
How to Whiten Your Dentures
There are two main steps you can take to clean and brighten your dentures.
Professional Denture Cleaning
Ask your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaned. They can remove surface stains and polish them. This way, your restoration can be freshened up without having to wait. Many people who have dentures have this done twice a year to keep their smile fresh.
At-Home Denture Cleaning
Between professional cleanings, you can use a non-abrasive denture cleaner to keep your prosthetic bright. This could be everything you need to restore your dentures to their original shade. By soaking them overnight, denture cleaner helps to loosen and remove stains and deposit buildups. If you aren’t sure which product to use, ask your dentist for suggestions. They can give you the best guidance on maintaining your dentures.
3 Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures
Be sure to avoid the following methods when cleaning your dentures. They do more harm than good.
- Abrasive Products: If you aren’t using the correct products, you can cause damage to your dentures. Avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes, whitening toothpaste, and abrasive cleaners. You don’t want to ruin the brightness of your dentures.
- At-Home Whitening Kits: Teeth whitening kits can be effective at whitening tooth enamel, but it is not effective on the materials used to make dentures. They can even cause damage due to their abrasiveness.
- Hot Water: Hot water is great for cleaning certain objects, but dentures are not one of them. If you place dentures in water that is too hot, they can become warped and no longer fit properly.
How to Prevent Dentures from Staining
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner, rinse and brush your dentures before bed.
- You can prevent stains by avoiding highly pigmented foods and beverages, like coffee, wine, tomato sauce, and dark-colored berries.
- When you do indulge in a pigmented food or drink, clean your dentures right away afterward.
It’s normal for dentures to become dull over time, but by using the tips listed above, you can restore their brightness and show off a beautiful, white smile.
About the Practice
At Attleboro Dental Group, we have a team of experienced dentists serving patients in the North Attleborough community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (774) 331-0260.