How to Clean Your Dentures and Remove Stains
Why Do I have stains and Yellow Build Up on my Dentures?
Are you tired of your stained or discoloured dentures?
What if we told you that there is a way to keep your dentures looking as good as new for many years!
Yes, that’s right, you don’t have to put up with a denture that has stains, is discoloured and has calculus build up.
You see, the first solution is very simple.
Get your stained denture professionally cleaned by us!
We offer a professional denture clean and polish, using specialised dental products and machines. It can be done while you wait and costs as little as $60.00.
The best way to keep your dentures clean, smooth and fresh is to:
Brush twice daily;
Use an ultrasonic cleaner; and
Get the dentures professionally cleaned once a year with a Dental Prosthetist.
In this article, we will share:
The best practices to keep your dentures clean;
How frequently you brush your dentures;
What solution you should soak your dentures in; and
A nifty device that will help you keep your dentures clean.
How to clean and remove the stains from my dentures?
We get a lot of people asking us how to clean their dentures, you are not alone! Darius at All Smiles Denture Clinic recommends the following hot tips:
#1 You will need to brush your dentures daily, just like teeth, to ensure food and plaque are removed and to reduce the chance of stains.
#2 Use Denture Brushes for cleaning, they are made specifically for denture cleaning. They are soft and made for this job! We sell denture brushes - just see the girls at Reception.
#3 Gently and thoroughly brush your denture with soap or mild dishwashing liquid;
DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE - toothpaste is too harsh and can strip the enamel and colour from your denture
#4 Pop a towel over the sink when brushing your dentures. This will provide a soft landing place if you happen to drop your denture.
#5 When you remove your dentures, store them in a soaking solution (like Miltons) or water.
#6 Ultra Sonic Cleaners are also a great investment in keeping your dentures clean. We also sell mini ultrasonic denture cleaners, see the lovely ladies at reception for more information.
Denture Stain Removal
Soak your dentures in a commercial cleaning solution;
Buy a small ultrasonic cleaner - they are quite affordable and will give it a good clean.
If you find that you have tried to remove stains and calculous yourself and it hasn’t improved your denture, then we suggest you need to see a professional.
Don’t scrub and ruin the denture.
As we mentioned above, we have specialised cleaning products and machines that will work much better than anything you can do at home.
How frequently should I clean my dentures?
We recommend that you clean your dentures at least once daily. This way, the residues from the food and beverages that you consumed for a day will be cleaned out.
Aside from that, if you take off your dentures when going to sleep, you need to soak them in water. Your dentures may lose their shape if you don’t keep them moist.
Why are there stains in my dentures?
Have you noticed yellow stains on your dentures? Perhaps you have a bit of build up too? It’s surprisingly common, so don’t feel too bad!
There are three main reasons for staining and calculous build up on dentures and they are:
Not cleaning the dentures frequently enough;
Drinking coffee will increase the chances of staining; and
Smoking also increases the likelihood of having stained dentures;
Remember your dentures are porous. If you don’t keep them clean regularly, the chances of having stains on your dentures are high.
You can always replace the denture teeth!
If the stains on your dentures are too much and you hate them, our most common solution to that is to replace the teeth on the denture.
Speak to your Dental Prosthetist if this is something that worries you.
Why should I keep my dentures clean?
There are three top reasons why you should keep your dentures clean. Here is a list:
#1 It will help avoid Any mouth infections
Dentures are very porous and the food that you eat may get into them. If you don’t clean your denture regularly, you increase chances of attracting bad bacteria which can lead to an infection in your mouth;
#2 It will Avoid Bad Breath
Bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath. The food and beverages that you consume may leave small particles and smell residues. Aside from that, the bacteria that builds up in your mouth may also cause bad breath. Thus, it is essential to clean your dentures and mouth regularly.
#3 It will make your dentures last longer
When properly maintained, your dentures can last for many years. There are some products that can harm your dentures and you should avoid using them.
How frequently should I clean my dentures?
We recommend that you clean your dentures twice a day. We know that most people probably only clean their dentures and their teeth once daily. By increasing how often you clean your denture, you will avoid stains and build up.
Aside from that, if you take off your dentures when going to sleep, you need to soak them in water. We recommend letting your mouth and your muscles rest while you sleep. (Keep the dentures in a glass, your dentures may shrink or change shape if you don’t keep them moist.)
In Conclusion…
You should clean your dentures to avoid mouth infections, keep your breath smelling fresh, and make your dentures last long!
Here is a mini checklist to ensure that you keep your dentures clean.
Did you put a towel over the sink?
Did you brush your dentures today with mild soap or dishwashing liquid and have you avoided using toothpaste?
Did you use a soft bristled Denture Brush?
When you removed your dentures, did you soak them in a soaking solution or water?
Did you use an Ultrasonic Denture Cleaner?
Darius Northey at All Smiles Denture Clinic is the man to see for the best fitting dentures on the Sunshine Coast. Conveniently located at Buderim, with off easy street parking. All Smiles Denture Clinic loves looking after clients based in surrounding suburbs, Maroochydore, Sippy Downs, Cotton Tree, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Kuluin, Bli Bli, and more.
If you have any questions relating to cleaning your dentures or looking after your dentures, please don’t hesitate to give our denture clinic a call at 07 5476 8833.
Author - Darius Northey, Dental Prosthetist