How to Clean Stains on Dentures From Metal in Partials

Clean and white dentures project a healthy smile and image.

Maintaining a clean, stain-free and healthy-looking smile is a challenge regardless of whether you have your natural teeth or wear a form of dentures. Removing stains, associated with food and drink, from dentures is a routine part of maintenance. Partial dentures, those with metal clasps, require a more careful handling of the denture itself, as the metal can become prone to tarnishing if not properly cared for.

Things You'll Need

• Denture container or wide clear glass
• Water
• White vinegar
• Denture cleaner
• Denture brush or small soft bristle brush
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Remove food and debris from dentures by brushing thoroughly after every meal, snack or drink. The prevention of stain buildup is critical in maintaining a white set of dentures. Use a toothbrush designed to fit into the crevices of the partial and thus able to reach the metal clasps, which need to have food and plaque removed on a regular basis.

2. Place the dentures in a cleansing soak every night to remove surface stains. Denture cleaner, if not available, can be substituted by using household items such as liquid hand soap or liquid dish detergent. Mix the cleaner with water, avoiding hot water which could warp the metal portion of the dentures. Soak the dentures in the cleaning solution overnight and brush with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste in the morning to further remove stains.

3. Soak dentures, once per week, in straight white vinegar to help dissolve tough stains such as those caused by red wine and coffee. Follow the same steps as with general cleaning, by brushing the dentures after soaking and prior to placing back in the mouth.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush dentures in the same manner as natural teeth. Make sure to brush the metal areas as plaque and stains can build up on the metal over time.

• Keep dentures moist at all times. Keep in your mouth or soaking in a cleaning solution, white vinegar or plain water to prevent the dentures from drying out and thus changing shape.

• Hold dentures over a soft cloth when brushing outside of the mouth. If dentures fall onto a hard surface, they can break and will thus need to be repaired or replaced.

References

• Simply Teeth: Dentures "False Teeth" Removable Partial Dentures
• Pierce Dental: Dentures
• American Dental Association: Partial Dentures, Removable