Dentures are a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s functionality and appearance, whether you’ve lost some or all of your teeth. They look and feel like your natural teeth and allow you to eat, speak, and grin more like you used to.
If you’ve noticed that your dentures are giving you bad breath, however, you might start to feel self-conscious about your oral condition. Thankfully, you don’t have to continue to live with the unpleasant odor. Keep reading to learn 3 potential causes and what you can do about them!
Reason #1: Bacteria
Your mouth is full of germs that love to cling to your artificial teeth. If left unaddressed, they can thrive and cause gum disease in addition to the scent that you’ve noticed. To combat this, it’s important to clean your dentures consistently. This includes:
- Rinsing after meals. Leftover bits of food attract additional microbes that can form plaque on your prosthetic. Rinsing them away prevents this and neutralizes any potential acid damage from meals.
- Brushing them daily. You should remove them twice daily to thoroughly scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap to avoid abrading the materials.
- Soaking them overnight. Leaving your restoration in a glass of water or a special solution while you sleep can eradicate up to 99% of unwanted bacteria.
Reason #2: Dry Mouth
Tooth loss is often a natural process that happens with age, so many senior adults have dentures. Unfortunately, your mouth also creates less saliva in your later years, which means you’re more prone to dry mouth. Spit is your body’s natural defense against germs, so you may develop oral issues if your mouth is arid.
To avoid this, you can try:
- Drinking more water. Consuming lots of H2O is a great way to make up for missing moisture and keeps your body hydrated so it can function at its peak.
- Checking your meds. Some prescriptions can cause dry mouth. If you’re having issues, you may want to ask your doctor about alternatives.
- Cutting back on alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can dry you out. Minimizing how many drinks you indulge in daily and finding an alcohol-free mouthwash can help.
Reason #3: Gum Disease
If germs in your mouth have penetrated beneath your gumline, it’s possible you’ve already developed a periodontal problem, like gingivitis. If your connective tissues have become infected, it can leave a less-than-savory smell on your restoration. Your dentist can work with you to determine the severity of your condition and propose appropriate treatments. Then, you should return for a checkup and cleaning every 6 months.
Knowing how to keep your dentures fresh can help you prevent potential bad breath!
About the Author
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia takes pride in helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Florida before he received his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine. Now, he offers a full array of services under one roof to streamline your dental care. He creates personalized solutions to meet your unique needs and uses state-of-the-art equipment for more accurate results. If you’re concerned about the state of your dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (214) 432-1133.
