Dentures are a popular way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss because they restore so much of your ability to eat and speak more easily. Being able to converse with family and friends and enjoy your favorite foods can greatly enhance your daily quality of life. If you’ve noticed that your dentures have developed an unpleasant odor, though, you might feel self-conscious about bad breath. Keep reading to learn 5 tips to keep your prosthetics looking and smelling fresh!
Tip #1: Rinse After Meals
Harmful bacteria are attracted to leftover food particles that get caught in your dentures or in the space between them and your gums. These microbes can thrive and form plaque which contributes to the scent you’ve noticed. To discourage germs from flourishing, gently rinse your dentures under running water after eating.
Tip #2: Keep Your Mouth Clean
To ensure that microbes don’t stick around on your gums, be sure to take the time to rinse your mouth out, too, when you remove your dentures. You can try anti-bacterial mouthwash to eradicate any unwanted germs and bad breath.
Tip #3: Brush Them Daily
Another easy way to ensure that odor-inducing plaque doesn’t form on your prosthetics is to brush them twice daily, just like you would your natural teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and special denture paste that won’t be abrasive. Take the time to gently scrub all surfaces to remove bits of food, leftover denture glue, etc.
Tip #4: Soak Them at Night
The surface of your dentures may appear completely solid to the naked eye, but the truth is that they’re full of tiny pores. Bacteria love to hide out in these grooves and sometimes brushing isn’t enough to get rid of them. Fortunately, leaving your restoration to soak in a glass of water or denture solution overnight can kill up to 99% of unwanted microbes.
Tip #5: Keep Dental Appointments
It’s important that you visit your dentist every 6 months for a standard checkup and cleaning. This allows them to thoroughly examine and cleanse your mouth and dentures, as well as identify any potential problems. If you’ve developed gum disease that is contributing to smelly dentures, for instance, they can work with you to clear it up. Plus, germs can thrive in cracked or damaged dentures, but your dentist can help you repair or replace them.
By keeping your dentures clean, you can keep them sparkling fresh for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas provides a full array of oral care services to meet all of your unique dental needs, including dentures. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and then earned his dental doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh. Today, he uses state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify any problem areas and offer individualized treatments to address them. If your dentures have developed an odor and you need help, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (206) 244-4622.
