Most denture teeth are acrylic, and they gradually stain just like natural teeth. Since the color of teeth dramatically affects one’s smile and appearance, the color changes often cause immediate concern. However, like natural teeth, there are solutions to improve the appearance of stained denture teeth. Please read more below about denture staining and how to fix it.
Trident General Dentistry has several solutions to whiten your smile, whether you have natural or denture teeth. Contact us to learn more.
Causes Of Dentures Staining
Factors that can contribute to discolored denture teeth include:
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Coffee and tea. One study found that coffee and tea caused the most discoloration of acrylic denture teeth.
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Tobacco. Smoking and other tobacco products cause yellow or brown discoloration.
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Poor oral hygiene. Brushing denture teeth is as essential as brushing natural teeth to keep their white appearance.
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Foods and beverages. Other foods besides coffee and tea can stain denture teeth. These include tomato sauces, berries such as cherries and blueberries, cola, and sports drinks.
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Aging. The longer you wear your dentures, the more discolored they become.
How To Prevent Denture Stains
Properly caring for your dentures can extend their life and help prevent staining of the denture teeth. Daily cleaning of your denture is the most effective way to prevent the formation of staining. Your dentist will provide specific instructions on how to take care of your dentures. Here are some general guidelines to help you get years of whiter denture teeth:
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Each day remove your dentures and thoroughly rinse off food particles.
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Gently brush your denture with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser. Since denture teeth are softer than natural teeth, a stiff-bristled brush can scratch and damage them. This increases the risk of staining. Some companies make special denture brushes designed to protect denture teeth and help prevent discoloration.
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Rinse or brush your denture as soon as possible after consuming staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and berries.
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Handle your dentures carefully. Be careful to avoid letting your denture come in contact with surfaces that may contribute to staining.
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Soak your dentures overnight. Discuss the proper storing of your dentures overnight. Some manufacturers provide solutions that help prevent discoloration.
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Schedule regular oral examinations. Your dentist can help keep your denture whiter and brighter during your regular dental appointments.
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Avoid using whitening toothpaste. These have no whitening effect on denture teeth and can cause staining.
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Avoid bleaching products. While these can effectively whiten natural teeth, they can damage acrylic denture teeth.
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Avoid placing your denture in hot or boiling water.
How To Fix Denture Stains
Even with proper daily care, your denture will likely discolor. When this occurs, you can take several steps to help remove the stains and restore the color of your denture teeth. These steps include:
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Brush your denture with baking soda. Baking soda has whitening products and is less abrasive than all toothpaste products on the market. According to the Relative Dentin Abrasion Values table, only brushing with plain water is less abrasive than baking soda.
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Use floss. An effective way to prevent and remove stains between your denture teeth is by flossing regularly.
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Soak your dentures overnight. You can use one of the commercially available products or vinegar.
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Soak your denture in hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide disinfects and destroys bacteria and germs that contribute to denture staining.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact us if you would like to learn more about maintaining your denture. Call us today and schedule an appointment for a complete oral examination that includes oral cancer screening.