If you’ve gotten dentures recently, you might still be in the process of learning how to eat and talk naturally again. You might also be getting used to the upkeep. Now that you have your prosthetic, you’ll want to take care of it as well as you can, so that it looks good for as long as possible. If you want to keep your dentures white, here are a few tips.
Soak your Dentures Overnight
You’re used to cleaning your natural teeth before you go to bed. Now that you have dentures, you need to incorporate something else into your nighttime hygiene routine: soaking them overnight. Just like brushing, letting your prosthetic rest in a cup full of soaking solution breaks down plaque, food particles, and other things that might leave stains behind over time.
Have your Dentures Professionally Cleaned
Around twice a year, your dentures need to be examined by your dentist for signs of wear. At these appointments, your dentist can also clean them. As with your natural teeth, even a solid dental hygiene routine can leave some stains behind—regular polishing and whitening can remove any discoloration that may have built up. The cleaning process takes only a few minutes, and it will leave your dentures looking nice and clean. You’ll be seeing your provider fairly often anyway, so there’s no reason not to get a quick cleaning a few times a year.
Avoid Staining Foods
Your dentures look completely smooth, but their surface is covered with microscopic pores. Foods with dark pigments can form deposits in these pores, which is what causes stains. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all infamous for their staining effect, as are dark berries, and foods containing soy sauce. Cutting back on these foods is an effective way to keep your dentures white.
Dentures might require a little bit of special upkeep, but the things you have to consider aren’t necessarily that different from before. Be cautious of dark foods, and clean your prosthetic every night. Supplement that with visits to the dentist, and your smile should shine for a long time to come.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean is a dentist who always makes sure his patients leave with the smile of their dreams. He knows that oral health isn’t just about having good teeth, it’s about feeling better in everything that you do. Dr. Dean is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, and he completes many hours of continuing education each year. He’s also a proud member of the Georgia Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you have any questions about taking care of your dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (770) 786-3915.