How to clean nicotine stains from dentures

Just like your natural teeth, your dentures (also known as false teeth) can be at risk of staining and discolouration from drinks such as tea or coffee, and foods like curry. Nicotine stains caused by smoking can also be particularly stubborn to remove. Your dentist may be able to clean your dentures professionally, but you should clean them yourself every day to keep them looking their best.

Establishing a daily cleaning routine and knowing how to clean stained dentures can keep you feeling happy and confident about your smile. Here are a few pointers to help clean and reduce nicotine stains from your dentures:

Using denture cleansers

It’s important to clean your dentures as often as you would your natural teeth. For the best results, and to avoid damaging them, simply soak your dentures in warm (not hot) water and add a cleaning tablet. Using denture cleanser tablets, such as those offered in the Polident range, can help remove any stubborn stains and maintain the original colour of your dentures, as well as prevent plaque build-up*.

Soaking

When soaking your dentures, make sure they are fully immersed in the solution to ensure they don’t dry out. Follow the instructions as directed on the pack with regards to how long to soak your dentures.

Brushing

After soaking, brushing your dentures gently with what remains of the cleansing solution will help to effectively remove any leftover plaque or debris. Using a special denturebrush for this is best, as the bristles on ordinary toothbrushes can sometimes be too firm and may scratch the denture surface.

Rinsing

Place your dentures under running water and rinse well to remove any of the cleaning solution, and your dentures are then ready to be worn again. Make sure to discard what’s left of the soaking solution and use a fresh cleansing tablet next time you clean your dentures.

*When used as directed