Just because you have dentures doesn’t mean you can’t have sparkling white teeth, right? You’ve got a beautiful smile that is giving you back the confidence you may have lost when you were without teeth. These custom-made replacements may replace your natural teeth, but they don’t have to stay hidden from photos and social gatherings. If you’re looking for a brighter smile but are unsure of how to achieve it, follow these 5 best practices for whitening your dentures.
Brush Them Daily
Now that you have dentures, you may think, “Why brush them? They’re not normal teeth.” The reason is that food and plaque can still adhere to your teeth, creating stains. To help keep them healthy, you need to make sure to brush them daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Anything harder, or any type of abrasive material, can scratch the surface of your dentures.
Use Denture Cleaner
If you are looking to ensure a thorough cleaning at home, talk to your dentist about a non-abrasive denture cleaning solution. This will help to remove stains and kill off any bacteria that may be lingering. One way to prevent stains from forming on your dentures is to remove them after eating or drinking dark-colored foods or beverages. However, don’t just remove them. You’ll need to rinse them as well.
Schedule a Cleaning
Are you not satisfied with the at-home cleaning results? Do you want a professional clean to keep your teeth white and clean? Your dentist will be able to achieve even greater results. Using specialized tools, they can polish your dentures to remove stains in minutes. Just like your regular teeth, it’s important to schedule two professional cleanings each year.
Avoid Bleach and Whitening Toothpaste
The difference in tooth material can determine what cleaning and whitening can do to your teeth. With dentures, it is best to avoid any products that contain bleach, as it can discolor and weaken your dentures. If you have partial dentures, avoid products containing chlorine. It can corrode the wires. Teeth whitening toothpaste should also be avoided as it can scratch your dentures.
Avoid Dark-Colored Foods and Beverages
While you can remove your dentures before consuming these types of foods and beverages, it’s best if you simply avoid them altogether. Berries, tomato sauce, coffee, and red wine can increase the likeliness for stains on your dentures. If you cannot resist the temptation, just remember to remove your dentures after consumption and rinse them to remove any potential cause for staining.
Having dentures doesn’t mean you have to walk around with a less-than-stellar smile. By following these best practices, you can rest assured that your smile will stay sparkling white for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Shick and his team at Dental Charm offer comprehensive dental care for every member of your family. From preventative exams to modern cosmetic services, he is an expert in restorations and rebuilding failing smiles. Dr. Shick received the 2015 Patient’s Choice Award for Dentistry because of his commitment to excellent patient care. To learn more about him or our services, visit our website or call (973) 921-9097.