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Pure Prosthetics: How to Keep Your Dentures White
Burke, VA
Pure Prosthetics: How to Keep Your Dentures White
Dentures are a wonderful way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss because they allow you to eat and speak more like you used to. You can once again enjoy meals and conversations with friends and family without feeling embarrassed about your dental condition. Your dentures are not entirely impervious to harm, however, and can become discolored over time which can leave you feeling self-conscious once again. To avoid this, keep reading to learn how you can keep your false teeth clean and clear!
Can I Whiten My Dentures at Home?
While there are a multitude of over-the-counter teeth whitening products available that can lighten natural teeth, they’re not effective for dentures. The best way to keep your restoration sparkling is to clean them daily. You should remove them at night and rinse them clear of any food or debris. Then, it’s important to gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner or toothpaste intended for the purpose. This removes food particles that form plaque buildup for stains to cling to.
You should also be soaking your dentures overnight to give your gums a break and eradicate harmful bacteria. Look for safe soaking solutions that clear away germs as well as surface stains.
Also, avoiding highly pigmented foods and beverages is another simple way to keep your dentures bright. Coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce are all common culprits that can dim their shine. If you do indulge, it’s helpful to take them out for a quick rinse afterward.
What Should I Avoid to Keep My Dentures White?
While you might think they’d help keep your dentures bright, you should try to steer clear of these common mistakes that can harm them:
- Using hot water to clean them. Boiling water can kill germs, but it will also warp your prosthetics, so they no longer fit properly.
- Applying abrasive cleaning products. Household bleach and other cleaners can scratch and dim your false teeth.
- Trying DIY remedies. Lemon juice and baking soda can remove stains on some objects, but not your dentures.
How Else Can Dentures Be Whitened?
Sometimes your restoration can become discolored despite your best efforts and precautions taken. Fortunately, your dentist can help! They have the professional tools and materials needed to polish the surface of your dentures which removes surface stains, so they look as good as new. This is a quick process that typically only takes a few minutes and can be repeated twice every year.
If you’re not sure what’s safe to use, call your dentist. They can provide recommendations that will help you keep your dentures in tip-top shape!
About the Author
Dr. Maryam Ashraghi has more than 20 years of experience improving her patient’s quality of life by helping them keep their mouths healthy. She graduated from dental school in 2003 and has completed 3 years of specialty training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry, making her an expert at rebuilding smiles. She uses innovative dental technology to ensure that you’re getting the most up-to-date treatments for accurate, long-lasting results. If you have dentures and need them professionally cleaned, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (703) 440-7010.



