Dentures are the tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth because they’re a versatile solution that can simultaneously rebuild your smile’s functionality and appearance. Not only can you eat and speak more normally with them in place, but you’ll also look and feel like the most beautiful, confident version of yourself.
However, that’s only as long as you care for them correctly. Although your dentures are made from durable materials that can resist a certain amount of damage, it’s still possible for them to become stained. Unfortunately, darkly tinted teeth can put a dent in your self-esteem. Continue reading to learn more about why and how it happens so you can prevent it!
How Do Dentures Stain?
Your dentures appear solid to the naked eye, but did you know that they’re actually covered in microscopic pores? These tiny grooves are ideal hiding places for bacteria or pigmented particles from your food. If you frequently or repeatedly expose them to common culprits like coffee, tea, wine, berries, or tomatoes, then the colorful ingredients can collect in these spaces and leave your restoration looking worse for wear.
Can Dentures Be Whitened?
If you’re tempted to purchase teeth whitening products to lighten your prosthetics, you may end up disappointed. These topical treatments contain bleaches that aren’t effective on dentures, so they won’t do you any good.
You can try calling your dentist for a consultation instead. They can professionally clean your dentures to remove any plaque buildup that darkly toned ingredients can cling to, and scrub away surface stains to remove some of the discoloration. However, if your teeth are severely stained, you may want to invest in a new set of dentures to restore your confidence.
How Can I Prevent Denture Discoloration?
Proper preventative care is the best way to keep your prosthetics in excellent condition. This includes:
- Maintaining your oral hygiene routine. You should remove your dentures twice daily (both morning and night) to thoroughly but gently wash them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the surface. Then, floss them to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Soaking them at night. Leaving your teeth in a glass of water or a special soaking solution while you snooze can eradicate up to 99% of germs and can also remove stains. If you prefer homemade remedies, you can try soaking them in a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, or denture bleach.
- Rinsing them often. Taking your dentures out to hold them under gently running water after meals gets rid of any leftover pieces of food or colorful ingredients that can cling to and tint its surfaces.
If you’re still frustrated by discolored dentures, the best next step is to contact your dentist for a consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Nabeel Ahmed is proud to offer a full array of services, including dentures, to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. He earned his dental degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University. He takes the time to get to know your unique concerns and smile goals, then devises personalized treatment plans to help you meet them. His family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while providing accurate, long-lasting results. If you’re worried about your dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or call (416) 551-5224.