Everyone wants a bright white smile, even if you have dentures. However, even the brightest sets of dentures can become stained over time. Fortunately, there are ways that you can whiten your false teeth and avoid staining in the future. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about the do’s and don’ts of whitening your dentures as well as ways that you can keep them white in the future.
How to Whiten Your Dentures
There are two ways that you can have your dentures cleaned up so they look like new again:
Professional Denture Whitening
Ask your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaned. He will be able to remove surface stains and polish them. They will look brand new and it will only lake a few minutes. Many people who wear dentures have this done twice a year.
At-Home Denture Whitening
If you don’t want to get your dentures professionally cleaned, purchase a non-abrasive dental cleaner. This may be all you need to restore your dentures to their original shade of white. 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. He will be able to give you proper guidance.
How Not to Whiten Your Dentures
Here are a few whiten methods that you should avoid when it comes to 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 toothpastes, 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 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 Can I Prevent My Dentures from Staining?
There are many steps you can take to prevent stains from occurring in the first place. Try these:
- 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 trying some of these teeth whitening techniques, you can restore their brightness and give yourself a smile that you’re proud to show off.
About the Author
Dr. David Earnest provides a wide array of services to his patients in the New Braunfels area. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas and opened up Comal Dental. He is a member of numerous prestigious organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Earnest offers dentures as a tooth replacement option. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (830) 625-1515.