Dentures are restorations that can replace several or all of your teeth. They have been used for many years and have evolved a lot during that time to become the restorations we know today. If you wear your dentures for a while, you may notice that the teeth are beginning to look discolored. Fortunately, there are several ways to make them look brighter. Continue reading to learn four ways to whiten dentures.
#1: Have Them Professionally Cleaned
Brushing your dentures every night is key to keeping them in good condition and getting rid of bacteria that built up on them throughout the day. Even so, there is only so much that it can do to brighten your restorations. Fortunately, your dentist may be able to whiten dentures during your biannual visits. They will use specialized products and instruments to easily remove surface stains and polish your denture to make them gleam.
#2: Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Before you go to bed, make sure to remove your dentures. Soak them overnight in either a glass of cool, fresh water or a denture cleaning solution. Along with whitening dentures by helping prevent stains, some other benefits of soaking your dentures include:
- Give your gums a rest – This will give your gums a chance to rest since they may be a bit sore from wearing your restorations all day.
- Minimizes your risk of pneumonia – Wearing dentures overnight has been tied to an increased risk of developing pneumonia. Soaking them overnight gets rid of bacteria left on them after you brush and lessens your risk of disease.
- Lower your chances of gum disease – Since soaking your dentures gets rid of bacteria, it makes you less likely to develop gum disease.
#3: Consume Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks in Moderation
Foods that are dark or highly pigmented can leave stains on your smile. It’s best to either completely avoid them or to consume them in moderation. If you choose to continue consuming stain-causers, be sure to thoroughly rinse your teeth or use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them to lower your risk of stains. Some examples of foods and drinks that can stain your smile include:
- Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
- Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and other dark sauces
- Drinks like coffee, cola, tea, and red wine
#4: Don’t Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean Your Dentures
Though you can use normal, store-bought toothpaste to clean your natural teeth, the same can’t be said for dentures. Regular toothpaste is too abrasive for your restorations and can leave scratches on your artificial teeth. It’s important to ask your dentist about nonabrasive products that are safe to use to whiten dentures. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to whiten your restorations.
There are several ways that you can whiten dentures if they’re starting to lose their shine. With the above tips, you can keep your smile looking lovely and bright for years to come!
About the Practice
If you’re in need of an exceptional dental care team, look no further than Strohman Dental. They are led by Dr. Shelly Strohman and take pride in helping their Wichita Falls patients keep their teeth healthy and in good condition. They offer a range of tooth replacement options, such as dentures, to fill in your grin. They can also give you advice on how to whiten dentures for a bright, beautiful beam. If you are ready to set up an appointment with Dr. Strohman or want more information, call Strohman Dental at (940) 613-0299 or visit their website.