Causes and Removal of Brown Stains on Dentures

Causes of Brown Stains on Dentures and How to Remove Them

If you wear dentures, you may notice unsightly brown stains developing over time. Not only are these stains unappealing to look at, they can also lead to more plaque buildup on the teeth. Understanding what causes these brown stains to form in the first place is key to preventing them.

Brown discoloration on dentures can come from a variety of sources. Food and beverages are among the most common culprits. Certain bad habits can also contribute to staining. With the right cleaning methods and stain-prevention strategies, you can keep your false teeth looking like new.

Common Causes of Brown Stains on Dentures

Below are some of the leading causes of brown discoloration on removable dentures:

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and tea are notorious for staining teeth. The dark pigments in these popular beverages can easily cause brown buildup on dentures. This is especially true if you drink coffee and tea frequently throughout the day.

Red Wine

Red wine is another top offender when it comes to staining. The deep color contains chromogens that adhere to the porous surface of denture teeth, leaving behind brown deposits over time.

Cola and Soda

In addition to sugars that can harm oral health, the dyes used in many sodas and colas can also stain dentures. Soda is especially problematic since many people drink it frequently without rinsing afterwards.

Sauces and Curries

Foods with rich, deeply pigmented sauces are notorious for staining teeth. This includes curries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, and other flavorful sauces that cling to dentures. Turmeric is a prime culprit.

Tobacco Use

Chewing tobacco and smoking introduce brown tar and nicotine stains over time. Tobacco use causes some of the most stubborn discoloration that can be difficult to remove from dentures.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When you don’t brush and clean your dentures regularly, stain-causing plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. This can lead to brown discoloration. Proper daily cleaning prevents staining.

Certain Medications

Some prescription medications can alter the composition of your saliva, making dentures more vulnerable to stain-causing compounds. Medications that cause dry mouth are particularly problematic.

Advancing Age

Over many years of wear, microscopic cracks and porosities develop on denture surfaces. This makes them more likely to retain stains even with vigilant cleaning. Older dentures tend to exhibit more staining.

Effective Ways to Remove Brown Stains from Dentures

If brown spots are already present on your dentures, don’t panic. A range of techniques can help remove stains and restore your smile.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which makes it great for scrubbing away those stubborn brown deposits. Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the paste onto stained areas of your dentures.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is adept at whitening discolored dentures. Dilute it 50/50 with water and soak dentures for 30 minutes to an hour. The solution will bubble away stains, but avoid over-soaking which can damage denture materials.

Vinegar

White vinegar is an acidic solution that breaks down stain buildup on contact. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and soak dentures for 15-20 minutes. Vinegar kills bacteria for added cleansing benefits.

Denture Cleaning Solution

Look for denture cleaning solutions like Polident or Efferdent at your local pharmacy. These products contain active oxygen cleansers tailored to banish denture stains with a short soak. Follow package directions.

Dentist Cleaning

For the most thorough clean, visit your dentist regularly to have dentures professionally cleaned. Ultrasonic cleanings and specialized tools ensure all stains are removed for the brightest smile.

Avoid Abrasive Household Cleaners

It may be tempting to use vigorous household cleansers like bleach or scouring powders to remove denture stains, but these can actually damage the denture surface and cause more staining over time. Stick to gentler cleansers designed specifically for dentures.

Tips to Prevent Future Staining

Once brown stains are removed, implementing these tips can help prevent discoloration from recurring:

Brush Dentures Daily

Get in the habit of brushing your dentures at least once a day, preferably after each meal. Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to gently remove food debris and plaque before staining occurs.

Clean Your Mouth After Eating and Drinking

Be sure to rinse your mouth after consuming stain-causing foods and beverages, especially if you can't immediately brush your dentures. Swish water around to wash away residue.

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco use causes severe staining, so quit smoking and chewing tobacco if denture discoloration is a problem. This also improves your overall oral health.

Have Dentures Professionally Cleaned

Visit your dentist every six months to a year to have dentures thoroughly cleaned and polished. This removes staining you can’t brush away at home.

Soak Dentures Overnight

Soaking dentures in water or a light cleaning solution like Efferdent each night helps prevent stains from setting before morning brushing.

Upgrade Old Dentures

If staining and discoloration persist despite best efforts, old worn dentures may need to be replaced. Newer dentures don't show stains as readily.

Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages

Limit consumption of foods and drinks known to cause staining like coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, tobacco, etc. Be sure to promptly rinse the mouth after intake.

Use Straws When Drinking

Drinking staining beverages through a straw helps minimize contact with dentures. Just be sure to still rinse afterwards.

With diligent daily cleaning and smart dietary choices, brown stains don’t stand a chance. Take control of denture care to keep your smile looking its best.

When to See a Dentist About Denture Staining

While home care techniques can tackle many denture stains, some situations call for a dentist’s intervention:

• Extensive staining that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Rapid recurrence of staining after cleaning
• Damage or whitish patches along with discoloration
• Looseness, breakage, or other problems with denture fit and function
• Persisting discomfort, irritation, or mouth sores

Schedule an appointment if stains don’t resolve using the methods described or if you notice any abnormalities along with discoloration. The dentist can identify if underlying problems are contributing to recurrent staining issues.

When to Consider Denture Replacement

While proper cleaning and care can maximize their lifespan, all dentures eventually require replacement due to factors like:

• Persistent staining that can’t be removed
• Chipping, cracking, or breakage
• Deterioration causing a poor fit
• Gum recession resulting in looseness
• Wear to biting surfaces making chewing difficult

On average, dentures last 5-7 years with proper care. Schedule regular dental visits so your dentist can evaluate if and when replacement becomes necessary.

Don’t let unsightly brown stains ruin your denture smile. Understanding the causes of discoloration and implementing the right stain removal and prevention strategies helps keep your false teeth looking their best.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.