How To Keep Your Dentures White and Bright

Much like with your natural teeth, keeping your dentures white and bright requires a little effort. After all, even the most well-made prosthetic can become discolored with time. But the good news is that keeping your false teeth looking as good as new is easier than you think!

Here are some tips for caring for your new dentures so they stay stain free, and how you can clean older prosthetics, so they look as white and shiny as the day you got them!

Caring for Your Dentures

The best way to ensure that your dentures stay looking sparkly white is to clean them properly from day one. Thankfully, keeping them spotless is easier than you think. To do it, follow these simple steps:

1. Line your sink with a towel and fill the basin with water.
2. Remove your dentures and run them under water to rinse them of any excess food particles or debris.
3. Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and either a mild hand soap or denture cleanser. Do not use ordinary toothpaste, as this can scratch them. Rinse them well.
4. Floss between each tooth and rinse them again.
5. Soak your dentures overnight in a glass of water, or if they’re looking a little dingy, you can add denture stain remover instead.

Additionally, it is important to have your dentist examine your dentures twice a year at your regular, biannual exam and cleaning. Even if you have no remaining natural teeth, these appointments are still a vitally important way to ensure that your gums stay healthy, and your dentures remain in good repair.

Removing Tobacco Stains

If you are a smoker, your dentures can easily become discolored from tobacco stains. These can be much harder to remove than regular food or beverage stains, so it is recommended that you soak them every night in denture stain remover, not just occasionally. If you have been smoking with them in for a long time, this may not be as effective, as deep-set stains may require professional cleaning or a complete replacement.

For Deep Stains

Professional cleaning from your dentist may be the best way to remove heavy stains on your dentures. It is important to note that you should only use approved cleansers on prosthetics, and never use any of the following products on them, as they can permanently damage them:

• Any products containing chlorine or household bleach
• Household cleaners such as glass cleansers
• Whitening toothpastes
• Hard bristled brushes (including toothbrushes)
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Metal polishing products

In addition to potentially destroying your dentures, ingesting these products could make you very ill, so never use them on anything that goes in your mouth.

Remember, keeping your dentures clean may require some effort, but as long as you’re consistent, you should be able to avoid unsightly stains and discoloration. If yours are looking a little more lackluster than you’d like, speak to your dentist today about a professional cleaning or upgrading to a new pair.

About Our Practice

At Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie, we want to see your beautiful smile, whether it’s made of your real teeth or your clean, white dentures! If you’re ready to upgrade to a new pair, or if your current pair needs a little help getting clean, our team is happy to assist you!

To schedule an appointment for dentures, please visit our website or call us today at 469-837-8351.