Tooth loss can reduce the quality of your daily life because your pearly whites play an essential role in your ability to speak, eat, and smile. Thankfully, your dentist can restore a sense of normalcy by rebuilding your grin with dentures. Whether you need a full or partial set, these prosthetic teeth allow you to mash food and converse clearly so that you can look and feel your best.
It’s important to care for your dentures properly so that you can continue to make the most of them. If they’re not cared for consistently, you might notice that they look worn down or develop an unpleasant scent. If your artificial teeth have been causing bad breath, continue reading to learn 3 reasons this happens and what you can do to prevent it!
Cause #1: Leftover Food
It’s natural to feel excited that you can once again enjoy your favorite meals now that you can chew them properly. However, just like with your natural teeth, you might notice that bits of the food you eat get trapped in your restoration. This attracts harmful germs that can cause gum disease as well as form plaque on your dentures. They can develop a distinct odor as a result.
One of the simplest ways to prevent this is to rinse them immediately after meals. This ensures that any extra particles are removed before they have a chance to proliferate. Remember not to use hot water because it can warp the acrylic base, so it no longer fits correctly.
Cause #2: Dry Mouth
We tend to associate dentures with growing older because tooth loss more frequently occurs later in life. Unfortunately, your mouth also makes less saliva in your golden years which can lead to drymouth. Because spit is your body’s natural defense against unwanted microbes, if you’re not making enough then bacteria can flourish. In time, they can leave your breath and dentures smelling foul.
Drinking more water can keep your mouth moist so you’re less likely to have this issue. Also, you might ask your doctor whether your prescription medications might be contributing to the problem and if so, whether there are alternatives to consider.
Cause #3: Residue Buildup
If your restoration isn’t cleaned regularly, then germs are better able to create a layer of plaque on their surfaces. This can certainly cause the undesirable scent you’ve noticed. If you’re not sure how to keep them in good condition, you can implement a regular hygiene regimen that includes:
- Scrub them gently twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or denture cleanser. Steer clear of standard toothpaste which can be abrasive. Be sure to scour all the surfaces to remove particles and any remaining adhesives if you use them.
- Soak them every day. Let them sit in a special denture solution for about 15 minutes once or twice every day to eradicate unwanted microbes.
- Take them out at night. You should remove your artificial teeth and place them in a glass of water or denture solution while you sleep. This gives your gums a break and helps kill bacteria.
Making a few simple changes can keep your dentures looking and smelling great so that you can continue making the most of them!
About the Practice
At DentaCrafters PLLC, two dental experts provide a full array of dental services to handle everything from routine checkups to restoring your smile. They work together to create fully individualized solutions to meet all your dental needs. They take the time to get to know you and answer any questions you have about your oral condition or desired treatments so that you play an active role in the quality of your grin. If you’re concerned about the state of your dentures and would like an appointment, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (703) 241-5775.