Why Do Dentures Sometimes Smell Bad?
If you’ve been wearing dentures for a while, you might notice that from time to time they can get a little smelly. This is mostly due to a build-up of bacteria, the same as you would get with natural teeth.
If left unattended, the bacteria can reproduce and spread, which ultimately can lead to “denture breath.” However, don’t worry too much. There are a few things you can do to prevent and remove the bacteria causing foul-smelling dentures.
How to Fight Denture Breath
Your dentures require the same amount of attention and care (sometimes more) that you would give your natural teeth to ensure that they stay looking clean and smelling fresh. Dentures are porous which means that simply brushing and rinsing usually isn’t enough to prevent bad breath.
For the best results, your dentures need to be cleaned every day, removed regularly, and soaked overnight.
Daily Cleanings
The best way to prevent bad breath as a result of bacteria is to clean your dentures every day — multiple times a day if you can. In a perfect world, you’d give them a clean after every meal, but we realize that this isn’t always possible.
At the very least, try to give them a rinse after you’ve eaten.
When brushing your dentures, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture-specific toothpaste. Regular toothpaste and toothbrushes can damage and scratch your dentures — which gives bacteria more places to hide and makes it harder to remove.
Removing Your Dentures Regularly
A common cause of bad breath is that people fail to remove their dentures on a regular basis. Bacteria thrive in the moist environment of our mouths which allows it to reproduce and accumulate faster.
Removing your dentures gives you the opportunity to properly wipe and brush them down to prevent bacteria from building up. Often a few quick rinses throughout the day and a thorough evening clean are enough to prevent bacteria from making a permanent home.
Soaking Your Dentures Overnight
Removing and soaking your dentures in a cleaning solution is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria — many denture solutions are designed to kill up to 99.99% of bacteria.
You should be able to easily find these products in your local grocery store or supermarket. If you need a recommendation, ask your denturist about their preferred products.
Soaking your dentures overnight has another benefit — taking your dentures out overnight reduces the rate of bone resorption, which can cause your jaw to sink.
If you leave your dentures in for longer periods of time, you may need more frequent adjustments or refittings to make up for the lost bone density.
With daily cleanings, regular removal, and overnight soaking, denture breath should become a thing of the past.
If you’re struggling with keeping your dentures clean and odor-free, contact us today. Our denture specialists can offer helpful advice to keep your breath smelling fresh.
