When you are in close contact with other people, the last thing you want to do is make them feel uncomfortable by the way you smell. But what if you have dentures, and you have noticed lately that your prosthetic is carrying an unpleasant taste or odor? That can be an embarrassing issue, but fortunately, the answer to the question “Why does my denture smell bad?” is usually pretty straightforward. It is also often an easy problem to solve!
What Causes Denture Odors?
A few factors that can contribute to denture odors include:
- Missteps in oral hygiene. If you do not clean your denture as thoroughly as you should, it may collect food particles and odor-causing bacteria. This can happen both on your artificial teeth and on your denture’s base.
- Dry mouth. Many individuals with dentures take medications that have dry mouth as a side effect. Sadly, a dry mouth can allow stinky bacteria to multiply and thrive.
- Gum disease or infections. If you have bad breath despite your efforts to maintain a clean denture, your prosthetic might not be the problem. It is possible that you have an oral infection that requires treatment.
Keeping Your Dentures Clean and Fresh
Here are some practical steps you can take that may help you to enjoy cleaner, fresher breath as a denture wearer:
- Rinse your denture after each meal. This can get rid of lingering food particles.
- Soak your denture in a cleansing solution each night. A denture-cleansing solution can deep-clean your prosthetic and help to keep it fresh.
- Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean all of your denture’s surfaces. Try to do this at least once a day.
- Ask your doctor if there are any alternatives to medications that cause dry mouth. If there are not, take other actions to fight dry mouth. For example, you might need to drink more water or use a mouth rinse that is specifically designed to help individuals who do not produce enough saliva.
- Visit your dentist regularly. They can professionally clean your denture and inspect your mouth for signs of conditions that can contribute to bad breath. If you have gum disease, they can design an appropriate treatment plan.
Odorous dentures are a troublesome problem that you should not have to put up with! Use the tips in this article to keep your smile as clean and fresh as possible.
Meet the Practice
Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut is home to a large team of general dentists and specialists. We offer top-quality care in a comfortable environment. Whether you are interested in getting dentures, or you have questions about denture maintenance, we would be happy to serve you. Contact our East Hartford office at 860-288-5786.