Some denture wearers may assume that staining or discoloration won’t be an issue, but the truth is you should still be mindful about how you take care of them. While they are not porous like traditional tooth enamel, dentures can still dull over time if you are not careful. To ensure you keep them looking great for years to come, read on to learn from your dentist in South Portland about what you can do to whiten dentures.
Have Your Dentist Professionally Clean Your Dentures
There’s only so much that at-home brushing can do to keep your dentures looking their best. Therefore, it’s necessary you visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Not only will they be able to look for signs of gum disease or other serious oral health problems, but they can professionally clean your artificial teeth. Using specialized instruments and products, they can easily remove surface stains and discoloration by polishing your denture and helping it gleam.
Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Before going to bed, you need to make sure you remove your dentures and allow them to soak. There are many reasons for this, such as:
- Allows your bone and gums to breathe and restore vital nutrients
- Minimizes your risk of pneumonia
- Helps to remove bacteria that accumulate underneath the denture and can be harmful to your mouth
But soaking your artificial teeth also helps to ensure they remain fully functional day in and day out. You just need to remember to keep them in either a special denture solution or warm water. Using hot water will cause them to become warped, damaging your teeth and requiring that you have new ones created, which can become costly.
Limit Your Consumption of Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages
Coffee, soda, tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce, and other darkly pigmented foods and beverages can stain your dentures if you aren’t careful. While it is best to avoid these altogether, it’s often hard to do and it’s unlikely most individuals who wear these prosthetics will never reach for a morning cup of coffee ever again. Instead, when consuming any of these (or similar) foods/beverages, make sure to thoroughly rinse your teeth or clean them with a soft-bristled brush. This minimizes the risk of stains developing.
Avoid Using Regular Toothpaste to Clean Your Dentures
Regular toothpaste is highly abrasive and can cause scratches to your artificial teeth. So, it’s important you ask your dentist about nonabrasive products and use a soft-bristled brush to whiten dentures. This will help them retain their beautiful sheen and look healthier over time.
Avoiding denture stains takes some effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Make sure you’re following these tips from your South Portland dentist, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of possessing a whiter, brighter smile!
About the Author
Dr. John Kivus earned his dental doctorate from Tufts University and has attained more than four decades of experience since then. In 2016, he joined the teaching staff at the University of New England College of Dental Medicine as an Assistant Clinical Professor. If you are interested in dentures, dental insurance is welcome and CareCredit financing is available. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (207) 253-5600.