Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option for those who have suffered from extensive tooth loss. Difficulties chewing food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence become a thing of the past! However, an issue that some patients notice is that with time, their dentures start to smell. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to keep your dentures clean and fresh! Here are some of the most effective ones.
Improve Your Denture Hygiene Routine
Cleaning your dentures is necessary to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath. When you skip needed steps, it can cause bad breath. Here are some steps you should use to keep your dentures clean.
- Remove and rinse your dentures after you eat.
- Clean your mouth every time you take out your dentures.
- Brush your dentures every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Soak your dentures overnight to keep them moist.
Avoid Dry Mouth
When there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth, it becomes a suitable breeding ground for bacteria, worsening bad breath! By keeping your mouth moist, you can help to reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. Here are some ways you can do this.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- See if dry mouth is a common side effect of any of your prescription drugs. This way, you can bring them up to your doctor.
- Don’t use mouthwash that contains alcohol. It can dry out the mouth.
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Excessive amounts of either can cause dehydration and dry mouth.
See Your Dentist for Routine Checkups
Even if you don’t have any natural teeth remaining, it’s still important that you continue to see your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups to keep your mouth in good shape. Here are some things that can contribute to bad breath that your dentist will be on the lookout for.
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Infections
- Oral cancer
- Other underling health issues
By seeing your dentist every six months, they can catch these issues as early as possible so they can be treated as soon as possible. They will also check that your dentures fit properly, preventing bacteria from building up between the dentures and your gums.
If your dentures aren’t smelling as fresh as you’d like, try the tips listed above and let your dentist know. This way, you can enjoy a complete smile that is squeaky clean!
About the Author
Dr. Atluri earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since then, she has gained well over a decade of experience and has been committed to continuing education to keep her knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at her office in Arlington, visit her website or call (682) 558-8720.