If you have dentures, you know how they can improve your quality of life. Dentures allow you to eat and socialize with confidence. Dentures can be life-changing, but they can also start to smell bad if not properly cared for. Continue reading to learn about the potential cause of your dentures smelling bad as well as what you can do to prevent it and maintain a fresh, clean beam.
What Causes Dentures to Smell Bad?
Though dentures can improve your confidence, the opposite is true when they smell bad. Taking care of your dentures is important to keep them in good condition. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent bad odor. Bacteria can accumulate on dentures, causing yeast production and bad breath. Dentures are also porous, so brushing them regularly is not always enough to prevent a foul odor.
4 Ways to Make Your Dentures Smell Better
Luckily, there are several ways to prevent your dentures from smelling bad, such as:
- Improve your cleaning routine – Caring for your restorations is key to their longevity. To keep them in good condition, brush and rinse them daily. Additionally, soak them overnight in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution.
- Avoid dry mouth – Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition that occurs when the salivary glands produce less saliva than normal. This can lead to several oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease, mouth sores, and bad breath. If you are experiencing dry mouth, it is important to see a dentist to determine the cause and find a solution.
- Practice good oral hygiene – If you have remaining teeth, you should brush them twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Be sure to brush your gums and tongue as well to get rid of bacteria hiding there. In addition, floss between your teeth at least once a day, preferably before going to bed.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Even if you don’t have any natural teeth left, it’s important to see your dentist regularly. During these biannual visits, your dentist can check to make sure your dentures are in good condition and that your gums and other oral tissues are healthy. They can also offer recommendations on how to better care for your restorations as well as your remaining teeth.
About the Practice
Dr. Jay Owen, Dr. Rudy Wolf, Dr. Philip S. Walerko, Dr. Gwen Hooks, and Dr. David L. Polk are passionate about providing high-quality dental care to patients in Bedford. If you are missing several or all of your teeth, they can help you understand the pros and cons of dentures and if they are the right option for you. They can also give you tips on keeping your dentures clean and smelling fresh. If you would like to set up a consultation with PeaksView Dental or are interested in learning more about dentures, call (540) 586-8106 or visit their website.
