While they may not be able to get cavities or decay like your real teeth, dentures can still cause many oral health problems if you don’t take proper care of them. In addition to a poor fit and stains, if you don’t maintain them well, they can also begin to smell bad, too. If you’ve noticed that your dentures have developed a foul odor, here’s what could be causing it, and what you can do to stop it in its tracks!
What Causes Denture Odor?
Denture odors can be caused by many things. After all, when you wear them to speak and chew, they can easily become coated in things like food particles, plaque, and saliva. Should debris get stuck between the crowns or caught in your denture adhesive, that odor can be easily trapped until you clean them. Thankfully, most of the time a good brushing and flossing will neutralize this, but if you don’t do it regularly, those smells can be very hard to get rid of.
Stopping Denture Odors
The key to stopping denture odors is regular brushing and flossing. You should remove them at least twice a day for a complete cleaning, scrubbing all surfaces with a mild hand soap or denture detergent. Be sure to floss between each tooth and rinse them well when you’re done. If you are finished wearing them for the night, place them in a clean glass of water or denture soak. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming damaged, but it will also ensure that they stay smelling clean and fresh until you’re ready to wear them again.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Finally, even if you don’t have any “real” teeth left, visiting the dentist for your regular biannual exam and cleaning is still very important for denture wearers. At these appointments, your dentist will check the fit of your prosthetics and give them a professional deep cleaning. If your dentist does discover any damage, he can send them for repairs, or help you select a new pair if it’s time to replace them.
Remember, your dentures should not have an odor. If you notice any unpleasant aromas coming from them that do not go away when you clean them, schedule an appointment with your dentist for further assistance.
About Dr. Murph
Dr. Tommy Murph was inspired to become a dentist as a teen following his own orthodontic treatment. Today, he is proud to use that passion for excellent oral health to help patients of all ages improve their smiles. Dr. Murph has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses, including in-depth learning about Trinon Dental Implants and orthodontics. He is also the proud owner of Dental Development Seminars, which provides lectures and hands-on instruction dentistry around the world. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association.
To schedule a consultation for dentures, or for a denture check-up at American Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 843-488-4357.