If you’ve replaced your missing teeth with dentures, you’ve probably been enjoying the many benefits they provide. These prosthetics can boost your quality of life by allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with more confidence after suffering tooth loss.
However, if you’ve noticed that your restoration has developed an unpleasant smell, it can potentially lead to significant embarrassment. The last thing you want is for friends, family, or co-workers to notice that your artificial teeth are giving you bad breath! Continue reading to learn 2 reasons this can happen and what you can do to prevent it.
Cause #1: Dirty Dentures
Your mouth is full of bacteria that cling to your restoration to develop plaque and tartar, which can cause the scent that you’re experiencing. The best way to stop them from flourishing is to keep your dentures as clean as possible. Some helpful tips you can follow include:
- Rinse after meals. Germs are attracted to leftover food after you eat, so it’s a good idea to take your dentures out to rinse them when you’re done. Gently run them under room temperature or cool water to help clear away unwanted microbes. Hot water should be avoided because it can warp the acrylic, so your prosthetics no longer fit.
- Clean your mouth, too. You don’t want to put your restoration back into a dirty space, so when you remove it, take a few extra minutes to clean your mouth, too.
- Brush them daily. You should brush and floss your dentures twice daily to prevent smelly buildup. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special cleaner rather than standard toothpaste, which can be abrasive on the materials.
- Soak them at night. You might feel tempted to sleep with your dentures in, but your gums need a break! Leaving them in a glass of water or a special solution overnight can eradicate up to 99% of germs that cause bad breath.
- Monitor their condition. Bacteria tend to thrive in cracks, chips, or breaks in your artificial teeth, so if you notice any issues, contact your dentist to help you repair or replace them sooner rather than later.
Cause #2: Dry Mouth
Dentures are associated with aging because people tend to lose their teeth later in life. Unfortunately, your body also produces less saliva in the later years, which allows germs to grow. Plus, you might also develop medical conditions as an older adult that require medications that cause dry mouth. Spit is your mouth’s natural disinfectant that helps keep germs at bay, and without enough of it, you’re more likely to experience unpleasantly scented prosthetics.
Drinking more water to keep your mouth refreshed throughout the day can mitigate the impact of dry mouth. If you’re worried that your prescriptions are contributing to the issue, ask your doctor for alternatives.
Now that you know how to keep your dentures in excellent condition, they’re less likely to cause bad breath!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard has decades of experience offering a full range of services so that you and your family can meet all your dental needs under one roof. He earned his dental doctorate at the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and is one of only 490 dentists worldwide to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). That means that he’s a trusted expert who can skillfully rebuild your smile regardless of its condition. He utilizes advanced technology to provide beautiful, lifelike restorations meant to last. If you’re worried about the state of your dentures, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (858) 451-0550.