When you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, dentures can be essential for performing important everyday tasks like chewing and speaking. However, as time passes, some patients notice an unpleasant smell coming from their dentures. Naturally, this is a problem that you’ll want to avoid when possible. To help you do that, here’s a closer look at what can cause bad denture odors and what you can do to prevent them.
Why Do Dentures Often Start to Smell Bad Over Time?
Your dentures will naturally spend most of the day inside your mouth, which is home to all kinds of bacteria. Over time, many of these bacteria will build up on your dentures. Furthermore, the material used to make the prosthesis likely contains pores that bacteria and food particles can easily get caught in. The gradual accumulation of bacteria and food particles can ultimately result in a less-than-pleasant odor.
How Can You Stop Dentures from Developing a Bad Odor?
If you don’t want your dentures to smell bad, you should make it a priority to keep them clean. To do so, try adopting the following habits:
- Always rinse your dentures off after finishing a meal or snack to get rid of any leftover food particles. Just be careful not to use hot water that could warp the dentures and cause them to no longer fit correctly.
- Brush your dentures carefully every day with a specialized denture cleaning solution. In order to avoid damaging your dentures, be sure to use a toothbrush that comes with soft bristles.
- Whenever you remove your dentures, take the time to clean your mouth. This involves brushing your gums and rinsing with water.
- Don’t wear your dentures overnight, as doing so can promote bacterial growth and cause problems for your gums. Instead, take your prosthesis out before you go to bed and leave it in a denture cleansing solution.
- Take steps to avoid a dry mouth, which can contribute to bad-smelling dentures as well as a variety of oral health problems. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water, and make a point of reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
Bad-smelling dentures can be embarrassing, but they are avoidable as long as the right steps are taken. If you would like additional tips for keeping your dentures clean and odor-free, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist at your next routine dental appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Rachel H. Clark studied dentistry at Wichita State University, and she holds membership with various organizations, including the Kansas Dental Association. Her practice in Derby, Illuminate Family Dentistry, helps patients with multiple missing teeth enjoy complete smiles again thanks to dentures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Clark, visit her website or call (316) 847-7730.