Dentures are artificial teeth that replace your missing teeth and help you live a normal life. If you wear dentures, it is very important to keep them clean because dirty dentures allow bacteria and fungi to breed, which can lead to gingivitis and bad breath. Most people also want to avoid staining their dentures for aesthetic reasons. You want to keep your smile white and healthy? Here's how.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preventing Stains from Occurring
Step 1. Use a straw when drinking beverages that can cause stains
When drinking beverages that can stain your dentures – coffee, tea, sodas, or fruit juices – use a straw. Drinking through a straw prevents the drink from touching your teeth and thus prevents staining of your teeth, especially the front teeth.
Step 2. Quit smoking
Tobacco can stain your dentures, so quit smoking if you can. At least try to limit the cigarettes you smoke.
Step 3. Gargle with water after eating or drinking
After eating, and especially after you drink coffee, tea, wine, or anything else that can stain, rinse your dentures thoroughly under running water.
If there is no place to rinse your dentures, drink some water, it can help lift the stain
Step 4. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Foods like berries, tomatoes, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar will stain your dentures. But you can overcome this by eating crunchy fruits or vegetables, such as apples and celery. These crunchy fruits and vegetables can naturally clean your dentures.
Step 5. Brush thoroughly
You should brush your dentures at least twice a day, just like you brush your teeth. Make sure that your brush reaches every part of your dentures, but don't brush too deep to avoid damaging them.
- Consider buying a toothbrush specifically designed for dentures.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. A toothbrush with hard bristles will scratch your dentures and reduce their shine.
Step 6. Soak your dentures in water overnight
When you go to bed, remove your dentures and soak them in a glass of water, or fill your denture case with water and soak it in it. Soaking it will release plaque and food debris that cause stains.
- Don't put your dentures in hot water – this can cause them to warp or shrink.
- Do not soak your dentures overnight in any solution except plain water. Prolonged exposure to soap or detergent will damage your dentures.
Step 7. Ultrasonic cleaning
When you go to the dentist, ask about ultrasonic cleaning. Your dentist can use the technique of using sound waves to clean your dentures. This may sound strange, but ultrasonic cleaning is one of the most effective ways to remove stains and prevent the formation of stain deposits.
Method 2 of 4: Cleaning Stains with Denture Cleaning Products
Step 1. Purchase a denture cleaning product
If stains form on your dentures, you can buy denture cleaners at a drugstore or supermarket. These cleansers are available in cream, gel, or liquid formulas, and can be used for full or partial dentures.
Look for products that have been approved by the Indonesian Dental Association that the product is safe and effective
Step 2. Follow the instructions on the package
In general, a gel or cream is brushed onto the dentures and then rinsed off; For the solution, you usually have to dip the cleaning tablets into the water which will then work to remove the stain.
Step 3. Rinse thoroughly
Whatever product you choose, be sure to rinse your dentures thoroughly with clean water before drying and putting them back in your mouth.
Method 3 of 4: Cleaning Dentures with Baking Soda and Water
Step 1. Mix baking soda with water to make a cleaning solution
If you don't want to buy denture cleaning products, you can also try using baking soda. The trick is to mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 230 ml of water.
Step 2. Soak your dentures in the solution
Leave your dentures in the solution for 20 minutes.
Step 3. Rinse your dentures
After soaking, rinse your dentures with plain water. Don't rub it with anything harsh.
Step 4. Dry
Gently dry with a towel or other cloth.
Step 5. Repeat no more than once a week
You can use this method to wash your dentures regularly, but don't do it too often. The baking soda itself is quite strong and abrasive, so it can scratch the surface of your dentures. Limit doing it to once a week.
Method 4 of 4: Cleaning Dentures with Vinegar and Water
Step 1. Mix vinegar with water
Because it contains acetic acid, vinegar can also be used to remove stains. Do this by mixing white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a container large enough to hold your dentures.
Step 2. Soak your dentures in the solution for eight hours or overnight
Leaving them submerged for at least eight hours will give the acetic acid time to work on dissolving the coral.
If you don't have eight hours, try soaking them for at least a few hours. Soaking it for at least half an hour will dissolve the coral deposits
Step 3. Brush your dentures
Remove your dentures from the solution and scrub them with a soft brush as usual. Do not scrub with a rough brush.
Step 4. Rinse
Rinse with clean water after scrubbing it.
Step 5. Dry
Use a towel or cloth to dry your dentures.
Step 6. Repeat as you like
Some people soak their dentures in a vinegar solution every night.
Tips
- Never use teeth whitening products as they are not meant for dentures. Bleach will stain your dentures, while whitening toothpaste will corrode and damage your dentures.
- Never put your dentures in the microwave or in the dishwasher as they can make your dentures warp and not fit in your mouth.
