Have you recently gotten dentures? If so, you’ll most definitely want to ensure they stay pearly white for a long time. Getting your restorations discolored can be frustrating, and it may force you to get a new set prematurely. For this reason, it’s important to practice a few steps to whiten dentures as well as to avoid certain items when keeping them clean!
How Do I Maintain White Dentures?
The most important method for keeping your dentures bright consists of simple preventive care, such as:
- Visiting your dentist twice a year: You should see your dentist regularly both to checkup on your restorations and your oral health. Not only will they monitor the progress of your dentures, and make any necessary adjustments to them, they’ll also provide a professional cleaning and polishing that can remove stains in minutes. They might also offer particular whitening treatment to improve their brightness.
- Soaking them overnight: One essential way to keep bacteria away is to soak your denture while you sleep. By leaving them in a glass of water or denture cleaner, you can actively help undo stain and plaque buildup until you put them back on!
- Brushing them twice a day: Keeping your restorations clean is very much like maintaining healthy natural teeth. At least twice daily, thoroughly brush your dentures to retain their shine, and even the underside to prevent bacteria from developing on your gums.
Are There Things I Should Avoid When Keeping Dentures Bright?
Part of keeping your dentures white and bright is to avoid certain products and foods. The meals you’ll want to stay away from are the pigmented kind—dark snacks or drinks that can easily stain your new teeth over time. Try to reduce how often you consume these foods, and be sure to rinse or brush immediately after to keep from discoloration. You also shouldn’t rinse with hot water, as this can warp your dentures.
Those who wish to whiten their teeth often use toothpastes with abrasive agents, like baking soda. These products can end up scratching the surface of your dentures and gradually damage them. Simple non-abrasive cleaners along with a soft-bristled toothbrush usually does the trick!
Maintaining strong and radiant dentures only requires a good dental hygiene routine and visits to your dentist. With their help, you can ensure your new teeth can remain pearly white for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Sung-Hee Lee earned her dental doctorate at the Baylor College of Dentistry. She is a proud member of the Texas and American Dental Associations, and is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the newest procedures and technology. She provides a large collection of dental treatments that includes dentures for restoring your smile! If you want to know how you can keep dentures white and bright, visit her website or call 972-481-8800.