Dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth but keeping them white and bright takes special care. Over time, these prosthetics can stain or discolor from food, drinks, or a lack of cleaning. Luckily, keeping them in great shape doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re trying to keep your pearly whites nice and bright, continue reading. You’ll find five tips to help you support sparkling dentures and a confident smile!
1. Brush Your Dentures Daily
It may sound obvious, but just like natural teeth, dentures need regular brushing to remove plaque, food particles, and stains. The best way to avoid dull, yellowed dentures is to stop them from getting to that point! So, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild, colorless liquid soap to gently scrub every surface of your appliances.
2. Soak Your Prosthetics Over Night
Dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape and stay comfortable. Soaking them overnight is a perfect way to solve two problems at once! Doing this will not only keep your prosthetics wet but it will also ensure they stay clean and bright.
For the best results, use a denture-cleaning solution that will remove surface stains while keeping your false teeth bacteria-free.
3. Cut Back on Food and Drinks That Stain
While you can generally eat anything you want with dentures as long as you’re careful, certain menu items will stain your smile. Coffee and tea, red wine, tomato-based sauces, and berries like blueberries and blackberries are all common culprits.
So, try to reduce the contact these foods have with your prosthetics, or rinse your mouth with water right after having them to reduce their impact.
4. Have Your Dentures Professionally Cleaned
Even with the best at-home care, denture appliances can develop stains or tartar that require professional cleaning. Your dentist can remove stubborn discoloration and inspect your prosthetics for any wear or damage. Doing this at least once every six months is key to keeping your dentures clean and your oral health in peak condition.
5. Avoid DIY Solutions for Brighter Dentures
It may be tempting to use household products like bleach or baking soda to whiten your prosthetics, but these can damage the material and make discoloration worse over time. This is not to mention how dangerous it can be to introduce potentially toxic chemicals to something you regularly put in your mouth! Stick to dentist-approved cleaners and avoid abrasive solutions.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your dentures white and bright for a lifetime! Regular care not only enhances your smile but also helps extend the life of your prosthetics. For more personalized tips, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist—they’re here to help your smile shine!
About the Practice
At Gale Ranch Family Dental, we’re dedicated to creating functional and highly aesthetic prosthetics for patients who need to revive their smile. Whether you’ve lost multiple teeth due to trauma, decay, or age, our team uses advanced dental technology and techniques to evaluate your oral health and restore your gorgeous grin. Call (925) 648-8881 to schedule a denture consultation with our team or visit our website to see a full menu of our services.