The moment you receive your dentures can be life changing. One moment, you feel the desire to hide your smile behind your hand due to its incomplete appearance, and the next, you feel a renewed sense of self-confidence, all because you put your new dentures in your mouth! The best way to preserve their new, bright appearance as well as your oral health is with a good at-home care routine. Of course, your dentist in Clinton Township will help you with that when you leave their office, but you can also read below for some important tips and information on denture maintenance.
What Causes Dentures to Become Stained?
Just like with your natural teeth, your dentures can become stained or discolored for a number of reasons. Some of the most common situations that can lead to denture discoloration include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Poor oral hygiene
- Regularly consuming staining foods and beverages (coffee, red wine, berries, etc.)
- Metal clasps on partial dentures that can sometimes react with foods and beverages
- Dentures that need to be replaced
Preserving the Bright & New Look of Your Dentures
Fortunately, there are a few proactive measures that you can put into place to help your dentures look brighter for longer, including:
- Having your dentures professionally cleaned by your dentist every six months.
- Rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking any stain-causing foods or beverages.
- Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleansing solution.
- Maintaining good at-home oral hygiene by following your dentist’s denture maintenance recommendations.
If at any point you’re concerned about whether you’re doing enough to preserve the aesthetic of your restoration, you can always reach out to your dentist. Because your dentures cannot be retroactively whitened due to the fact that they’re made from artificial materials, being proactive is the best way to address discoloration.
The Best Way to Clean Your Dentures
In addition to the proactive steps above, it’s important to clean your dentures at least once a day and rinse them regularly. Using the appropriate tools will help prevent them from becoming stained as well as help you maintain good oral health. While you may be tempted to opt for cleaning your dentures with toothpaste, it’s actually too abrasive for them, leading to surface scratches that can accumulate bacteria and lead to discoloration. Instead, use denture cleaning solution designed for regular maintenance and a special denture-cleaning brush.
By following the steps above, as well as your dentist’s recommendations, you can get the most out of your new prosthetic, helping you enjoy a confident smile for longer, as well as great oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has over a decade of experience practicing dentistry and has helped hundreds of patients renew their smiles with trusted dentures. With a goal of providing her patients with lifelong, compassionate care, she’s always happy to offer helpful tips and tricks that allow her patients to get the most out of their treatments. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.