For a while now, you’ve been relying on your dentures to eat and speak. While they’ve served you well in terms of improving your everyday life, you’ve noticed that they’ve started to smell bad over time. What exactly caused this to happen? And is there anything you can do about it? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to unpleasant denture odors.
What Can Cause Dentures to Smell Bad?
Because your dentures spend so much time in your mouth, they are naturally a potential target for harmful oral bacteria. These organisms can make their homes in the pores of the material that makes up your dentures, along with leftover bits of food that may be lingering in your mouth. As bacteria and bits of food accumulate, you may start to notice an unpleasant smell coming from your prosthesis. This problem will only grow worse if any food gets trapped between the artificial teeth.
What Can You Do to Stop Dentures From Smelling Bad?
To keep your dentures odor-free, you need to go out of your way to keep them as clean as possible. Here are some of the steps you’ll need to follow to maintain your prosthesis:
- Whenever you finish eating, head to the nearest sink and gently rinse off your dentures. This will help get rid of any food particles that might be clinging to them. Don’t forget to use only lukewarm water; hot water might warp your dentures and change the way they fit.
- Remember to clean your mouth whenever you take your dentures out. Rinse away food particles with water, and don’t forget to brush your gums.
- At least once a day, give your dentures a thorough cleaning with a toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaning solution. Make sure that the toothbrush has soft bristles that won’t damage your prosthesis.
- At night, leave your dentures soaking in a denture-cleansing solution. Not only does this give your gums a chance to rest, but it will help ensure that your dentures are clean when you put them in your mouth the next morning.
By following the steps above, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of dentures without worrying about an unpleasant smell. Remember, if you have any questions about your prosthesis or how you should take care of it, you can always talk to your dentist; they can give you plenty of helpful advice regarding oral hygiene and denture care.
About the Author
Dr. Durga Devarakonda earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She’s able to provide quality dental care to patients of all ages; for instance, she can help seniors who have suffered from extensive tooth loss rebuild their smiles with personalized dentures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Devarakonda at DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton, visit her website or call (972) 236-7906.