When you first get your dentures, you may be struck by how bright and white they look. Over time, though, you’re likely to notice that they’re losing their luster. Just like your real teeth, dentures can become stained and discolored over time, and that can make the idea of smiling in front of others somewhat discouraging. Luckily, denture stains don’t have to be permanent; there are ways to get rid of them without damaging your prosthetic teeth. Here are some tips from a dentist in Kittanning that you can use to whiten your dentures.
1. Use a Non-Abrasive Denture Cleaner
With a manufacturer-approved denture soaking solution, you can remove many different kinds of stains. Simply leaving your prosthetic teeth soaking in solution overnight will help loosen the staining substances that have built up on them, making them easier to remove. Make sure you speak to your dentist first before trying a new kind of denture cleaner. In general, you should always keep your dentures in soaking solution when they’re not in your mouth; this both keeps them looking their best and ensures that they’ll continue to function properly.
2. Brush with Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
Brushing your dentures is another way to keep them clean and stain-free. That said, you should not actually use whitening toothpaste to do the job, since it is highly abrasive and could end up doing permanent damage to your dentures. Instead, look for non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush so that you can gently clean your prosthetic on a regular basis.
3. Rinse Your Dentures Often
After you drink a dark-colored beverage such as red wine or eat stain-causing foods such as blueberries, you should take the time to rinse your dentures off in lukewarm water before the substance has a chance to cause discoloration. Do not use hot water to rinse off your dentures, as you could risk warping them.
4. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months for Cleanings
Even when all of your teeth have been replaced by dentures, you’ll still need to schedule biannual checkups with your dentist. They can clean and polish your dentures in order to get rid of stains (as well as plaque and other harmful substances) that you may not have been able to remove on your own. They can also help you determine whether or not your dentures might need to be replaced in the near future.
In short, the best strategy for keeping your dentures in Kittanning looking nice and bright is to take good care of them on a regular basis. Your dentist may have additional tips for keeping stains at bay, so feel free to call them if you have any questions.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has been practicing in Kittanning since 1980. He is an enthusiastic lecturer who has addressed his fellow dental professionals and dental students on different aspects of modern dentistry. One topic he’s particularly interested in is restorative dentistry; you can always turn to him if you have questions about how to brighten or otherwise take care of dentures. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Voller at Voller Dentistry, visit his website or call (724) 543-4948.