Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they can simultaneously restore your smile’s appearance while improving your ability to eat and speak more normally. Whether you require a full or partial set, these prosthetics are made with lifelike materials that can be customized to resemble your natural teeth and gums.
But if you’ve recently noticed an unpleasant scent coming from them, you might avoid wearing them. Continue reading to learn 3 potential reasons for smelly dentures so you can avoid them!
Cause #1: Skipping Cleanings
Some patients assume that if they’ve lost all their teeth, they no longer need to be concerned with their oral health, but that’s not usually the case. Your mouth is full of bacteria that can cling to the surface of your dentures and form plaque, which can lead to the development of gum disease and halitosis (bad breath).
To prevent this, you should remove your restoration twice daily to gently and thoroughly scrub all sides with a soft-bristled brush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t hurt the materials. Then, be sure to gently cleanse your gums before reinserting your dentures, ensuring they go back into a clean mouth.
The American Dental Association also recommends continuing with routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months. This allows them to catch and address any issues, like stubborn buildup on your dentures that gives off a foul odor.
Cause #2: Sleeping in Them
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt so drained after a long day that you fell asleep in bed before remembering to remove your dentures. While this might be safe if it occurs now and then, it’s not usually recommended.
This is because your restoration forms a tight suction against your gums all day long, which can trap leftover food and germs from your mouth against the tissues. Not only that, but this firm bond also reduces circulation to your mouth, rendering your body unable to deliver essential nutrients your mouth needs to fight off infections.
That means sleeping in your dentures allows bacteria to thrive. As they do, they release VSCs (Volatile Sulfur Compounds) that can smell like rotten eggs, which can cling to your restoration. Leaving your dentures in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution overnight eradicates germs while maintaining their shape so they’re fresh and clean in the morning.
Cause #3: Dry Mouth
Saliva helps prevent bad breath and other oral issues because it regularly rinses away harmful microbes and other debris from your mouth. If you take certain prescription medications, smoke regularly, become dehydrated, or have specific medical conditions, your body could produce less moisture, resulting in additional bacterial growth. These germs can cling to the surfaces of your dentures, bringing their horrible scent with them.
Maintaining your dentures with a twice-daily dental hygiene routine and visiting your provider for regular visits can help keep your restorations looking and smelling great!
Meet the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard has about 37 years of experience helping people enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry and was the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to conveniently meet all your needs under one roof, including dentures. He combines art with advanced technology to help ensure your restoration looks and feels as lifelike as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (858) 451-0550.