Fighting Bad Smells in Dentures: 3 Simple Tips

A reliable solution to missing teeth is modern dentures. If you have had them for a while, you may already know how they improve your confidence while giving you back your bite. However, what if you notice that they start to have a bad smell to them? Bacteria and stuck food can be the cause, so it’s important to fight back against this unpleasant odor. Keep reading to learn three tips that will help keep them clean and fresh.

Follow Proper Oral Hygiene

As was mentioned above, remnants of your meals may be stuck on your dentures. It’s important to brush them with a soft-bristle toothbrush (or a special brush) to keep them clean. Use a gentle, clear soap, and you’ll be able to remove bacteria while protecting the material.

During the night, it’s important to take out your prosthetic. If you keep them in, then they may start to harbor plaque, leading to a bad smell. Soak them in a glass of water or denture-cleaning solution. Keeping them moist will help keep their shape and prevent cracking.

It’s crucial that you also care for your mouth! You should gently brush your gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. This will help get rid of any buildup that might’ve occurred.

Avoid Dry Mouth

Another cause of bad breath for denture users and people who don’t have them is dry mouth. When you don’t produce enough saliva, you can’t effectively wash away harmful bacteria. When they linger, they can lead to an unpleasant odor and taste. A great way to stay hydrated is by drinking enough water.

However, certain medications may have this condition as a side effect. You can talk to your provider about alternatives if you wish. Additionally, caffeine and alcohol (even in mouthwashes) can lead to dry mouth, so you can limit your intake of them.

Have Consistent Visits with Your Dentist

Although an at-home routine is great for your denture care, visiting your dentist is just as important. By having semi-annual visits, they will be able to do a more thorough cleaning on them and remove any hardened plaque. Not only that, but they will also check to make sure your prosthetic fits snug. When they don’t sit right, you may be at an increased risk of bacteria building up.

Following the simple tips above can help you fight back against a bad smell coming from your dentures. That way, you can keep them clean and allow you to enjoy them without worry for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Medaugh earned his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He takes pride in helping people rebuild their smiles, whether that is with a cosmetic treatment or with a tooth replacement option like dentures. Dr. M makes sure each prosthetic looks and feels as natural as possible, helping you rebuild the confidence you deserve. If it’s time for your next routine checkup, schedule an appointment or call his office at (413) 323-4335.