Whether you have a full or partial set of dentures, you probably want them to sparkle and shine! They are, after all, part of your dazzling smile. Aesthetics can contribute to your confidence just as much as your oral function, so it’s definitely worth investing in your denture’s appearance.
But sometimes maintaining their squeaky-clean look is easier said than done. Here are some tips that can help you lift stains and preserve your denture’s pearlescent glow.
At-Home Denture Whitening
If the stains yellowing out your dentures are mild-to-moderate, you might be able to take care of them at home. A thorough brushing session with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste can remove surface residue left behind by the day’s meals. To wash ickiness that’s a bit more stubborn, though, a quick soak in dentist-approved denture cleaner might be just what they need.
Professional Denture Whitening
When at-home solutions aren’t doing the trick, you could always call up your dentist for a professional denture whitening. To keep up with accumulating bacteria and pigments, it’s generally recommended to visit your dentist for these cleanings at least twice a year. The process doesn’t usually take very long, and at the end you could walk away with a pristine replacement. A cost-benefit analysis would point towards “totally worth it!”
Helping Your Dentures Resist Stains
Stains are much easier to deal with if you’re consistently taking good care of your dentures. It’s the same principle as cleaning your kitchen on a daily or weekly basis so that the mess doesn’t grow out of control. After whitening your dentures, brush them gently in the morning and at night, give them a rinse whenever you remove them, and let them soak in a denture cleaner while you sleep.
Cleaning Methods to Avoid
Denture maintenance is relatively simple, but there are things you should avoid, otherwise you could damage them. Watch out for store-bought teeth whitening products, as they often contain abrasive ingredients that will wear down your replacement. Stiff toothbrush bristles, rough toothpastes, and harsh cleaners are also problematic for this reason. Finally, piping hot water can warp the shape of your dentures, so be sure to rinse them at lukewarm temperatures.
Keeping track of what products and methods to avoid can be tricky. Don’t worry, though! That’s where your dentist comes in. In addition to professionally whitening your replacement, they can help you find safe solutions and gentle materials. When in doubt, call your dentist to assist with perfecting your smile!
About the Dentist
Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti loves working with patients one-on-one to improve their oral health and maintain dazzling smiles. If you need help whitening your dentures, she would be happy to give them a professional cleaning and give you more tips on keeping them squeaky-clean! To contact her office, call 714-592-4294.