Dentures – aren’t they great? You may have lost your natural teeth, but your prosthesis has helped you smile, chew, and speak again, all with confidence. Actually, after a while, the smiling part can become not so confident. Perhaps your dentures have yellowed a bit or are just kind of grayish looking. Whatever the case may be, if your restoration is looking less than luminous these days, here are some tips to get it back in shape.
Preventive Care for Dentures
If you’re new to wearing dentures, the first step in keeping your dentures white is to keep them white. If you want your dentures to retain their pearly luster, you must work at it daily with preventive care.
Clean Them Once a Day
Each night, take your dentures out and rinse them thoroughly, then gently use a denture brush or a regular soft-bristled toothbrush to brush them with a non-abrasive cleaner.
Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned them, allow your dentures to soak overnight, either in plain old water or a denture cleaning solution. This habit will keep them clean and stave off warping, which is usually caused by the denture getting too dry.
Watch What You Eat (and Drink)
Highly pigmented foods and beverages, including coffee, red wine, tea, and berries, should not be consumed frequently. When you do decide to enjoy one of these items, rinse or brush your dentures quickly afterwards to avoid the stains setting in.
Cosmetic Care for Dentures
Let’s say you’re a veteran in the denture game and need help to put some shine back on your prosthesis. What should you do then?
Whitening Dentures at Home
If you’ve grown a little lax in your at-home hygiene habits, many dentists find that returning to the basics may cure your dentures of discoloration.
Before going to bed, submerge your dentures in a glass of cleaning solution to help loosen and lift stains and deposit buildup. In the morning, give them a thorough but gentle brushing with a non-abrasive dental cleaner. Warning: the results could be a dramatic improvement!
Avoid Other At-Home Kinds of Whitening
That being said, it’s advisable to steer clear of other products advertised to whiten your dentures at home. Whitening toothpastes, abrasive cleaning products (hard-bristled toothbrushes), and hot water are all counter-productive means of achieving a shinier restoration. Whitening toothpastes may contain harmful bleaching agents, abrasive cleaners can scratch and ruin your denture’s sheen, and hot water could warp their shape.
Professional Whitening
When all else fails, turn to the professionals. Ask your dentist about cleaning your dentures. In just a few minutes, a qualified provider can lift surface stains and give them a good polish, leaving you wondering why you waited so long to have it done in the first place!
Keeping your dentures white and bright requires consistent care, proper cleaning products, and regular dental visits. By following these tips, you can protect your investment, maintain a fresh-looking smile, and feel more confident every time you show it off!
About the Author
Dr. Jacob Milner loves to turn a hesitant patient into a grateful one, and he does it by proving that a visit to his office is something to look forward to, not dread. His background includes a dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry while completing an externship at Kernan Hospital and working with geriatric patients at Levindale Hospital. Today, Dr. Milner enjoys treating patients of all ages at Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills with a comprehensive menu of dental services. Contact us online or call (410) 390-0277.