If you’re missing all or nearly all of your teeth, your dentures can be an absolute lifesaver. Modern dentures are so sleek and sophisticated that they almost feel like a luxury item when you first get them.
However, over time you may start to notice your prosthetic feeling a little bit less than fresh. You may even have your prosthetic start to develop an off smell. Fortunately, this isn’t something that has to happen or something you’d be forced to live with. Here’s why your dentures can start to smell, and what you can do about that.
The Underlying Reason For Smelly Dentures
If you’ve noticed your dentures have picked up an unpleasant odor, you’re probably dealing with excess bacterial buildup on your prosthetic or an infection along your gumline. Really, this is the underlying cause of most bad breath, and if you’re trying to get your dentures back to smelling fresh, you should make an effort to get rid of these bacteria.
What Causes Bacteria to Flourish On Dentures?
It isn’t that great when your dentures start to smell, but don’t worry—you may be making a few easy mistakes that are leading to this outcome. One of the most common errors is leaving your dentures in while you sleep.
Both your prosthetic and your gums need a certain amount of time to breathe, which is why it’s usually recommended that you leave your dentures in a denture cleaning solution every night while you sleep. This cleans bacteria off of your prosthetic and gives your mouth time to regulate itself, both of which can help keep your dentures feeling fresh.
Finally, you might just not be brushing enough. It’s recommended that you gently brush both your prosthetic and your gums twice a day to keep them free of bacteria.
How to Deal With Smelly Dentures
In addition to making the changes mentioned above, you could always take your prosthetic to the dentist. They’ll be able to clean it up, in addition to checking its structural integrity and making sure that your gums are healthy.
About Our Practice
At Little Rock Family Dental Care, we believe in giving our patients the best of what dentistry has to offer. This means not only supplying them with excellent oral healthcare, but also giving them the attention that they deserve. We can promise you that when you’re with us you’ll never feel rushed, disregarded, or ignored—instead, you’ll work with a team that genuinely cares about your individual needs and desires.
If you have any questions about dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (501) 954-9900.