Dentures are a great way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak normally, again. It saves you the embarrassment of being unable to share meals with loved ones or struggling through conversations. If your dentures are giving off an unpleasant smell, though, you’re bound to feel self-conscious! Continue reading to learn 3 reasons this happens and what you can do about it!
Problem #1: Dirty Dentures
The foods and drinks you consume leave behind particles on your false teeth that attract harmful bacteria. Over time, plaque can build up on them and lead to the odor you’ve noticed. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to eradicate unwanted microbes including:
- Rinsing after eating. You’ll be doing yourself a favor if you remove your dentures after meals to rinse away leftover bits of food to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Brushing them daily. At least twice daily you should brush your false teeth with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Be sure to thoroughly scrub all the grooves and spaces where microbes can hide.
- Cleaning your mouth, too. When you take your dentures out to clean them, it’s important to wash your mouth, too. Otherwise, you’ll just reinsert them into an unhealthy environment.
Problem #2: Dry Mouth
Did you know that germs love a dry mouth? According to the American Dental Association, a lack of saliva in your mouth is a breeding ground for them. That means it’s important to keep your dentures and mouth moist to prevent bad breath. You can do this by:
- Drinking more water. Your body won’t produce enough saliva if you’re dehydrated so refresh your system with H2O.
- Checking your medications. Some prescriptions like antihistamines and antidepressants list dry mouth as a side effect. If your meds are problematic, ask your doctor about potential alternatives.
- Avoiding diuretics. Coffee and alcohol are both diuretics that lower the amount of fluids flowing through your veins, so it’s wise to limit how much you have.
Problem #3: Skipping Dental Appointments
Only your dentist has the experience needed to spot potential areas of concern in your mouth or dentures. If you’ve noticed your restoration has a distinct scent, then you may already have developed like gum disease. It won’t clear up on its own and if it progresses, it can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other serious medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Therefore, it’s important to visit them every 6 months so they can examine you and ensure that everything’s functioning as intended.
Following these tips can keep your dentures looking and smelling fresh for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Mark E. Lawton has nearly 20 years of experience helping patients transform their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University and then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He provides a full array of services under one roof, including dentures. If yours have developed an unpleasant scent, he can help! You’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (281) 447-2186.