Dentures and Dentist

3 Important Steps to Keeping Your Dentures Free from Stains

18 November 2016

Julian Andrews

People can be depressed when they first get dentures, but one of the advantages is being able to have them made as white as you like, so you at least have the chance to reinvigorate a discoloured smile. Be that as it may, false teeth can still be stained by certain foods and drinks, as well as by cigarette smoke. This is especially true of dentures made using acrylic, which is by far the most popular material.

Avoiding the usual suspects, such as black coffee and red wine, can help keep your dentures looking as white as the day you first received them, but there are other things you can do.

Here are three steps to help prevent your dentures getting dingy.

1. Brush Twice a Day

Yes, you still need to commit to brushing on a regular basis, even if you have no natural teeth left. The compounds in food and drink can't damage false teeth in the same way they can so easily damage natural teeth, but they can build up on the surface to form stains. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to brush them after every meal; make sure you take care of this as soon as possible since letting debris dry onto the dentures will make stains far harder to shift.

When you brush, try to use a soft-bristled toothbrush alongside a toothpaste that contains an extremely low percentage of abrasives; these can damage false teeth, which will make them more porous and therefore more prone to staining.

2. Soak in Alkaline Hypochlorite

You should make sure you soak your dentures overnight to keep them free of bacteria and smelling fresh. If you notice that stains are developing, try using alkaline hypochlorite. This substance is fantastic at preventing staining since it breaks the bonds of coloured molecules to turn them into colourless ones instead!

It's best to buy an over-the-counter solution instead of making some at home. Several agents that people use to whiten their dentures, including vinegar and bleach, might do the job, but they also make the plastic of your false teeth more porous.

3. Take Them to Your Dentist

You should be seeing your dentist on a regular basis anyway, but, if you notice your dentures becoming stained, book a new appointment and have them cleaned professionally. Your dentist will be able to use an ultrasonic device that employs soundwaves to shake off accumulated deposits and stains.

It sounds odd, but it works. In fact, you can even buy ultrasonic cleaners for home use if you have some cash eating a hole in your pocket, but it's much more economical to simply use the one at your dental clinic.

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