My Dentures Smell Weird; How Can I Fix That?

Dentures have come a long way since President George Washington wore false teeth made of ivory. Today’s prosthetic appliances are designed for maximum comfort and lifelike appearance, and they can last up to seven years if they receive excellent care. However, poor hygiene habits can leave your restorative device with an unpleasant odor that may be noticeable on your breath. Here’s a quick look at why this can happen and how you can prevent it.

Why Do My Dentures Smell Funny?

Dentures require daily care and maintenance to stay in great shape. If you neglect to remove and thoroughly brush your appliance with a soft-bristled brush and unscented hand soap and carefully brush your artificial teeth at least once a day, they will develop nasty accumulations of plaque and food debris that can produce foul scents. Wearing your dentures continuously for days will also deprive your mouth of the time it needs to rest and clean itself, which can lead to destructive oral infections that can leave pungent odors on your breath.

How Can I Keep My Dentures in Great Shape?

Your dentist will be happy to provide you with detailed maintenance and hygiene instructions that will allow you to keep your dentures clean and your mouth healthy. These will probably include:

• Thoroughly cleaning your dentures at least once a day: Begin by filling the basin of your sink with water and placing folded towels across your countertop to create a cushion in case you drop your appliance. Then, remove your dentures, carefully brush each of their surfaces, and floss your artificial teeth. It’s best to do this immediately before soaking your appliance for the night.
• Soaking your appliance for eight hours a day: This will allow your gums to rest and your mouth to perform its natural cleaning process. When not wearing or cleaning your dentures, store them in a vessel with water or an approved soaking solution.
• Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Even if you have lost all your natural teeth, it’s still crucial to brush your gums, tongue, inner cheeks and lips, and roof of your mouth and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash daily. If you have remaining teeth, be sure to floss them.

Don’t let poor hygiene make your dentures smell bad. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to keep your appliance sanitary and functional.

About the Practice

Drs. Belton & Schrimper General Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in Rocky Mount. Led by Drs. Barry Belton, Kevin Schrimper, and Hunter Perry, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys comfortable and courteous service in a warm and friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact his office online or dial (252) 404-8751.