If you’ve replaced your natural teeth with durable, beautiful dentures, it makes sense that you’d want to keep them looking clean and white for as long as possible. But much like real ones, prosthetics can sometimes develop stains, especially if you drink dark beverages like coffee and red wine, or smoke cigarettes. If you’re concerned about preventing your dentures from discoloring, here are a few cleaning tips to help keep stains at bay!
Regular Cleaning
The first step in reducing the accumulation of stains on your dentures is to keep them clean on a daily basis. To do this, you can brush them in your mouth in between meals, however the best way to ensure that they are truly spotless is to remove them at least twice a day for a deep cleaning. Here’s how to do this:
- Line your sink and countertop with a towel in case you drop your dentures. This will cushion the impact and reduce the risk of breaking them.
- Rinse them well and wash them with a mild hand soap or dish detergent.
- Gently scrub the entire prosthetic (including teeth and the gum base) with a soft bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse well.
- If you are done wearing your dentures for the night, fully submerge them in a glass of water or denture soak. Be sure to rinse them off again before returning them to your mouth the next day.
Additional Steps
To help keep them in great shape, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year (every six months) for regular denture maintenance and an oral health exam. At these appointments, your dentist can ensure that your prosthetics are in good working order and can even deep clean them for you while you wait. If they need relining or repair, your dentist can arrange this as well.
Things You Should NEVER Use to Whiten Your Dentures
Now that you know the best ways to keep your dentures clean, here are a few things that you should definitely not do with them, as they can cause damage to the prosthetics or make you ill. Never use:
- Products that contain chlorine or household bleach.
- Any type of household cleaner such as glass cleaner.
- Whitening toothpastes (these will not harm your dentures; however, their active ingredient, peroxide does not work on them).
- Hard-bristled brushes of any kind.
- Lemon juice.
- Baking soda.
- Metal polishing products.
Remember, the best way to ensure that your dentures do not stain or become discolored with time is to keep them clean on a regular basis. Be sure to remove them twice a day for a thorough brushing, rinse them well, and keep them soaking overnight in water or denture soak. If you notice any stubborn stains, speak to your dentist about a deep cleaning, repair, or a new pair, and always avoid bad habits like smoking.
About Dr. Smiley
Dr. Jonathan Smiley is proud to provide solutions for patients seeking to improve their oral health. Whether you’ve got a full set of natural, healthy teeth or you’re looking to restore your smile with the help of a durable, realistic set of dentures, he and the team at Smiley Family Dentistry can help. To schedule a consultation or a denture check-up, please visit our website or call us today at 319-352-2270.