Just like natural teeth, even the most well-made denture can fall victim to staining over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can gradually dull your dentures’ color, impacting your confidence in your smile.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to prevent denture stains and keep your dentures looking bright and fresh for years to come.
Brush and Rinse Daily
To prevent stains, it’s important to clean your dentures every day. Remove your dentures and rinse them under lukewarm water to clear away food particles. Next, use a soft-bristled brush with a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild dish soap to clean all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch your dentures, making them more prone to collecting stains.
Soak Dentures Overnight
Dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape and integrity. Soaking your dentures in a dentist-recommended denture cleaning solution overnight not only helps them retain their shape but also loosens plaque and stains, making them easier to brush away in the morning. Be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth to avoid any irritation from cleaning solution residue.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato sauces, are known to stain dentures over time. While you don’t need to eliminate these completely, rinsing your dentures with water after consuming these foods and drinks can help reduce staining. Using a straw when drinking beverages that cause stains may also help minimize direct contact with your dentures.
Schedule Regular Professional Cleanings
Just as professional dental cleanings help maintain your natural teeth, they can also keep your dentures bright and clean. During these visits, your dentist can use ultrasonic cleaners to remove stubborn stains and plaque buildup that daily brushing and soaking may not address. Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to check the fit of your dentures, helping you avoid discomfort and sores from poorly fitting appliances.
Consider Professional Whitening When Appropriate
While dentures do not respond to traditional whitening treatments designed for natural teeth, your dentist may be able to polish your dentures to remove surface stains and restore their original brightness. If your dentures have become severely discolored, it may be time to consider a replacement to ensure you continue to enjoy a confident, youthful smile.
Keeping your dentures white and bright doesn’t have to be complicated. By adopting these habits, you can extend the life of your dentures and keep your smile looking its best.
About the Practice
Dr. Abe and Dr. Batson of the Columbia Healthy Smiles team specialize in denture care, fittings for custom-made dentures, and comprehensive dentistry for every patient. Utilizing the latest advancements in dental science, we deliver the best preventive care with carefully tailored treatment plans. Wondering how best to care for your teeth? Stop by and see us!
Call us at (573) 875-7071 or schedule an appointment online.