Professional dentures are an affordable and effective way to restore your smile and ultimately boost your confidence, but difficult stains may take a toll on your self-image.

A dull or yellow smile may feel embarrassing, leading you to look for simple, convenient ways to remove stains.

At Grosvenor Dental Care, our team of leading denture specialists will help you retain that perfect smile.

This article will explain the types of dentures available, exploring what causes difficult stains, home remedies to remove them and the benefits of professional cleaning.

What are dentures?

 

Dentures are custom made removal replacements for missing teeth.

They are typically made from acrylic, resin, porcelain or metal and come in different styles including full and partial dentures.

Full dentures sit directly on the gums, whereas partial dentures attach to the remaining natural teeth.

They provide those with missing or extracted teeth with the opportunity to improve their smile.

 

What causes dentures to stain?

 

Dentures are prone to staining as the material they are made from are slightly porous.

The acrylic has tiny pores which trap pigment from food, drink and tobacco, leaving brown, yellow and dark stains.

Certain foods and drinks contain natural pigments, acids and chemical compounds that can cling to the surface of dentures.

 

High pigmented food and drink include:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Berries
• Tomato based sauces
• Curries
• Coca cola

 

Smoking tobacco will also have an impact on the brightness of your dentures.

Nicotine and tar are sticky, dark substances which leave challenging stains.

The heat and smoke from cigarettes may also cause changes to the acrylic surface, making it more porous and uneven.

A rough surface allows pigments and bacteria to stick more easily to dentures.

 

What safe and effective home remedies are available to combat stains?

 

Simple household ingredients may help remove stains on your dentures.

Here are some easy remedies to try:

 

1. Baking Soda

 

Baking soda is a gentle, natural cleanser that can lift stains and neutralise odours.

It has a fine, soft texture that gently scrubs away surface stains without scratching the acrylic.

You should mix one teaspoon of baking powder in a cup of warm water, before placing the dentures in to soak for fifteen to thirty minutes.

Always rinse well before wearing.

2. White Vinegar

 

White vinegar has slight acidic properties which help break down plaque and surface stains.

You should mix equal parts of white vinegar with warm water, before placing the dentures in to soak for fifteen to thirty minutes.

A combination of baking soda and white vinegar provides a deeper clean for stubborn stains.

 

3. Lemon Juice

 

The mild acidity of lemon juice lifts discolouration and its fresh scent leaves dentures feeling clean and smelling pleasant.

Mix the juice of one lemon with one cup of water.

Soak the dentures for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

It is important to not overuse lemon juice, as too much acidity can permanently damage and weaken dentures.

 

Denture Cleaning Tablets

 

A convenient and effective option are denture cleaning tablets.

When dropped in water these tablets fizz and release cleaning agents to tackle stains and bacteria.

They are specially designed to be gentle on the acrylic, but frequent long soaks may overtime impact the surface finish of dentures.

 

How to prevent your dentures from staining?

 

Actively preventing staining will prolong the life and overall condition of your dentures.

You should:

• Control and limit your intake of high pigment food and drinks, ensuring that you clean your dentures immediately after.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and using a denture cleanser to remove any build up of food or debris before it turns to plaque.
• Quit or reduce smoking
• Attend regular dental check-ups

What are the benefits of professional denture cleaning?

 

Overtime, hardened deposits of food and debris will no longer be reachable by at home cleaners.

Professional denture cleaning by a dental practitioner is a deeper level of care.

This in-depth clean will tackle tough stains, leaving your dentures looking brighter, smoother and cleaner.

At Grosvenor Dental Practice, our dental hygiene treatments are incredibly comprehensive.

Our leading denture specialists will ensure your dentures maintain an effective fit, colour and natural feel so you can smile with confidence.

For more information visit our page on dentures and false smile services.