How to Make My Dentures Whiter

Many denture wearers complain that over time their teeth become discolored and stained, and ask whether the appearance of their dentures can be improved. Dentures can become stained from normal wear and tear, including coffee or tea stains, smoking or just the age of the denture. Whiter dentures can improve self-confidence and reflect good oral hygiene. Wearers can whiten dentures at home; they don't need to visit the dentist or buy expensive commercial products.

Things You'll Need

• Soft toothbrush
• White vinegar
• Glass of tepid water

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Instructions

Steps

• 1

  Remove the dentures from your mouth and clean them as you would normally. Make sure the soft toothbrush penetrates all surfaces. Clean the pink base and the securing denture clips as well. Don't use a hard-bristle brush, which can damage the dentures.

• 2

  Fill a container with tepid water and add vinegar to the water in equal parts. Some people use bleach to whiten their dentures, but the American Dental Association (ADA) advises against this because the bleach may discolor the pink base, and because, if the bleach solution is not rinsed properly, it can hurt the wearer's health.

• 3

  Place the dentures in the vinegar/water solution and leave them to soak overnight. The ADA suggests that denture wearers rest their gums for at least six hours daily, so soaking the dentures overnight will give the gums a rest and ensure that the vinegar solution can clean them effectively.

• 4

  Clean the dentures again the following morning with the soft toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly. The vinegar softens tartar and plaque that stain dentures, making it possible to remove the discoloration gently with the toothbrush.