Rank Restorations: Why Do My Dentures Smell?

Do you worry about bad breath? You’re not alone! Most people experience this unpleasant condition at some point or another, whether it’s first thing in the morning or after having a particularly strong cup of coffee. Often you can clear it up with proper preventative care or sugar-free gum. Those who have dentures, however, might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that their false teeth could be causing the problem. If yours have a strange or disagreeable scent, keep reading to learn 2 common reasons it occurs and what you can do to resolve it.

Reason #1: Dirty Dentures

To keep your dentures looking, feeling, and smelling fresh, you need to keep them clean. Particles from the foods you eat and the bacteria they attract can cling to your dental work and result in the less-than-pleasing aroma you’ve noticed. Proper maintenance includes:

• Rinsing after meals. You should remove your dentures after eating and hold them under running water to wash away leftover bits that attract unhealthy microbes.
• Cleaning your mouth. You might think that because you’ve already lost teeth you don’t need to brush anymore, but your gums and mouth still benefit from a good scrub to eradicate germs.
• Brushing them daily. Just like you would with natural pearly whites, you should brush your dentures twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner, to remove plaque growth.
• Soaking them while you sleep. Keeping your dentures in a glass of water or cleaning solution overnight keeps bacteria away.

Reason #2: Dry Mouth

We tend to associate dentures with aging because we often lose teeth in our later years. Unfortunately, many people develop dry mouth as they grow older, too. Whether it’s due to natural changes in the body, or because of medications from other health conditions you developed over time, dry mouth results in higher levels of bacteria. Saliva acts like a natural sterilizer because it has a slightly acidic pH level that destroys germs. If you no longer produce enough, you can keep your mouth moist by:

• Drinking more water. This helps flush unwanted particles from your mouth. Plus, if your body is well hydrated, it has what it needs for saliva production.
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it can dry you out, and is a main ingredient in some mouthwash brands. Try switching to an alcohol-free version.
• Check your prescriptions. If you’re having an issue due to medications, talk to your doctor about possible alternatives.
• Skip the caffeine. Coffee, tea, and soda often contain caffeine which is also a diuretic that can leave you parched.

Now that you know how to better care for yourself and your dentures, you can avoid bad breath for years to come!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, two dentists provide a full range of oral healthcare services under one roof, including restorations like dentures. They use the most current technology so you’re sure to receive the most advanced dental treatments made from high-quality materials. Their dedicated staff would be pleased to help you schedule a consultation if you’re having a problem with your dentures. Feel free to reach out to the office on the website or by calling (440) 885-5354.