Do you notice an unpleasant aroma coming from your dentures? This can be not only gross, but more than a little embarrassing. If you’re struggling to figure out why your dentures smell so bad, here are a few ideas of what could be causing this problem, and what you can do to fix it.
Change Up Your Cleaning Routine
Sometimes dentures can start reeking if you don’t clean them properly. This can occur because there is food particles trapped between the teeth or stuck in the adhesive. To ensure that your dentures stay smelling fresh, be sure to clean them properly each day.
Dentures should be removed from your mouth and scrubbed gently with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste or denture paste and rinsed well. You should also be sure to floss between each tooth at least once a day. If you are still experiencing odor, brush them after each meal instead of just once a day. You may also want to consider soaking them in a denture soak instead of just water or invest in an ultrasonic cleansing kit which uses sound vibrations to clean them.
Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is a major cause of bad breath. That’s because when your mouth isn’t moisturized, you can’t rinse away food particles and bacteria. Thus, if you aren’t producing enough saliva to stay hydrated, you should increase your water intake, so it doesn’t dry out. This will not only keep your breath fresh, but it will also keep your dentures from warping or cracking.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Your dentures aren’t the only source of bad odors when you eat, so be sure to keep your mouth clean, too. Brush your gums and brush and floss any remaining teeth so your mouth stays clean and healthy, with or without them in.
Don’t Skip the Dentist
Don’t believe that just because you don’t have any remaining natural teeth that you don’t need to visit the dentist regularly. Dental exams are still very important ways to screen against gum disease, oral cancer, and bone degradation. Your dentist can often be your first line of defense in uncovering bad breath and other issues that could be causing your denture odor.
Remember, your dentures should not have a scent, so if something doesn’t smell right, it’s a cause for concern. Try cleaning them better and more frequently, and if that doesn’t work, speak to your dentist for assistance.
About Dr. Patel
Dr. Anil Patel’s favorite part of dentistry is seeing his patients smile. He enjoys helping them improve their health and self-esteem through excellent oral health, whether he’s performing an exam, a restoration, or fitting you with a new pair of dentures. Dr. Patel is proud to have earned the title of Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
To schedule an appointment for dentures at Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail, please visit our website or call us today at 817-717-6788.