Everyone has bad breath from time to time, whether it’s in the morning or just after eating a richly spiced dish. Usually, a mint, mouthwash, or brushing your teeth is enough to feel fresh again, but this often doesn’t work for denture wearers. A denture can sometimes develop its own unpleasant smell, and getting rid of it isn’t always straightforward. Why do dentures sometimes smell bad, and what can be done about it? Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from.
What Causes Dentures to Smell Bad
A denture might start to smell a little “off” due to the following reasons:
- The denture is just old and has been exposed to a lot of food and beverages over the years that have left behind odor-causing particles.
- The denture simply needs to be cleaned, either at home or professionally by a dentist.
- The denture hasn’t been soaked in a dedicated solution to remove pieces of food and bacteria that regular brushing can’t.
- Bacteria has built up on a certain part of the denture.
What You Can Do About It
Of course, simply replacing a denture is an effective way to get rid of one that smells, but this is often not necessary or practical. Instead, some easier methods include:
- Start brushing the denture two to three times a day with a soft-bristled brush and clear hand soap. Be sure to clean both the teeth and the underside that sits against the gums!
- Soak the denture overnight in a cleaning solution.
- Have the denture professionally cleaned by your dentist or hygienist.
Of course, if NONE of these work, then it’s probably time for a new denture. If that’s the case, the practices laid out above will go a long way in preventing your new prosthetic from developing an unpleasant smell over time.
Follow Your Nose…to the Dentist
If you find yourself struggling with persistent bad breath for weeks at a time, you should go ahead and schedule an appointment with your dentist. While the problem could simply stem from an unclean denture, other potential causes include an oral infection, cavity, or even an abscess in extreme cases. Whatever it might be, professional intervention will remove any uncertainty as to the source of the problem and make sure you take advantage of the right solution. That way, you can rest assured that you’re always minty fresh.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an award-winning cosmetic and implant dentist who has served the Massapequa area for over 30 years. Widely considered to be one of the most accomplished dentists in the US, he has helped countless patients recover and maintain their smiles using custom-made dentures. If you’re unhappy with your current denture because of the smell, the look, or the lack of stability, Dr. Mohr is eager to help, and you can learn more by contacting him today.