Wearing custom dentures may have you feeling more confident in your appearance as well as in your ability to eat certain foods and speak clearly. But if you’ve recently noticed a foul odor coming from your mouth, it may not be the garlic or onions you just finished. Instead, it could be that your dentures are giving off a displeasing aroma. To prevent others from keeping their distance, find out why this problem occurs and what you can do to avoid it.
What Causes Dentures to Smell?
While dentures are not real teeth, they do require regular maintenance to look natural, remain healthy, and avoid displeasing smells.
If you are not committed to taking proper care of your new teeth, you’ll likely find yourself back in the dentist’s office seeking a replacement or help to get rid of foul odors.
A few of the most common reasons dentures may smell include:
- Poor denture cleaning and oral hygiene
- Bacterial buildup in your mouth
- Avoiding the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
Ways to Prevent Bad Smelling Odors
Keeping your dentures free of bad bacteria is crucial for their lifespan. Allowing debris and harmful particles to accumulate will not prove problematic for your artificial teeth, but it will also put your gum tissue at risk of inflammation and infection.
To prevent this from happening and instead keep your dentures clean and healthy, you’ll want to make sure that you:
- Soak your dentures – Instead of wearing your artificial teeth while you sleep, soak them overnight so that they undergo a thorough cleaning. This will also give your mouth the rest it needs after supporting your dentures all day.
- Take your dentures out after eating – After enjoying a meal, remove your dentures and give them a proper cleaning. This ensures that they remain clean throughout the day and no bad bacteria is transferred to your mouth.
- Use mouthwash – Find an ADA-approved mouthwash that will help your mouth and dentures stay clean. Also, use denture-specific rushes that are designed to provide a thorough cleaning but do not scratch the surface of your new teeth.
By taking these steps, you can avoid foul breath that causes others to stay away. Instead, you can continue living life with a healthier smile that looks and feels like new.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram earned his dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. A skilled general, cosmetic, and implant dentist, he works to build strong relationships with his patients and delivers quality service and care. For patients with missing teeth, Dr. Makram can transform smiles with the help of custom-made dentures that fit comfortably and look natural. If you are concerned about the smell coming from your artificial teeth, visit our website or call (239) 513-9990.