If you have dentures, you know all about how awesome they are—they give your mouth the overhaul it needs and leave you with a dazzling smile that looks and feels fantastic. But just like your natural teeth, your dentures can also become stained and discolored as time passes! To prevent this from happening, it’s very important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that your dentures remain clean and stain-free. Keep reading to learn more.
Effectively Whitening Your Dentures
When it comes to whitening your dentures, there are two main approaches that you can take: in-office whitening, which is conducted by your dentist, and at-home whitening which you can do yourself.
In-office whitening is the most effective method, as your dentist has the means to really make your dentures shine. They will use special tools and equipment to polish your dentures and remove any visible surface stains—and it only takes a mere matter of minutes! These cleanings are also so effective that they’re only needed twice a year.
If you’d prefer to do it yourself, at-home whitening is still a viable option; it’s just important to use the right products and methods. A quick overnight soak in a non-abrasive dental cleaner can help to remove stains from your dentures. Low-abrasive hand soap can also be used—simply pair it with a soft-bristle toothbrush and use small, circular motions to gently clean the surface of your dentures.
What NOT To Do When Whitening Your Dentures
There are some things you need to absolutely avoid doing if you want to correctly whiten your dentures. Certain products or cleaning methods can damage them, including:
- At-home whitening solutions that are meant for your natural teeth often contain bleach or other chemicals that are harmful to your dentures.
- Abrasive cleaning products such as harsh toothpastes, cleaners, and toothbrushes with stiff bristles can all scratch your dentures, compromising their shine.
- Other household mixtures like glass cleaner, baking soda, lemon juice, and chloride solutions can all damage your dentures and make you very sick.
- Hot water should absolutely be avoided too, as it can warp and permanently disfigure your dentures.
Preventing Future Staining
Selecting the appropriate whitening method is important, but so is regularly taking care of your dentures. Be sure to also do these things to preserve your dentures and prevent future staining:
- Rinse your dentures often in warm (not hot) water or an appropriate cleaning solution.
- When you take out your dentures, handle them with care.
- Visit your dentist every few months for regular checkups and cleaning.
Your dentures can do so much to enhance your smile—but only if you take care of them and keep them white and bright! Keep these things in mind moving forward to preserve your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Michael E. Michel has been improving smiles for over 40 years! He received his dental doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association. He is also the former president of the Topeka District Dental Society. His practice offers a wide range of services to patients in the Topeka area, including dentures. Feel free to schedule an appointment through his website or by phone: (785) 273-0801.