Causes And Solutions For Denture Breath
Denture Breath 101
Feeling confident about your smile and enjoying healthy meals all over again after receiving your set of dentures but all of a sudden you notice some odor? Worry not because that happens a lot but the good thing is there are solutions that can give you back your self confidence.
There are several reasons why your dentures may smell bad and these are:
1. Bacteria
The mouth produces bacterias that produce sulfur compounds responsible for the bad breath.
2. Plaques
Tiny food particles may get between the gum and dentures forming layers which in turn leads to the bad odor.
3. Dry mouth
Dentures do not cause dry mouth but as humans age, there is a decrease in production of saliva which is needed to keep the mouth moist. Denture wearers who have decreased level of saliva production may find that their dry mouths are breeding ground for bacteria.
4. Ill-fitted dentures
Dentures should be fitted by a professional to avoid irritation to the gum which could lead to sores and infections leading to bad breath.
How to fix denture breath
1. Deep clean dentures
Dentures should be cleaned regularly and properly. Start by brushing using a soft brush, soak them and rinse under running water. Overnight soaking is recommended using cleansing tablets or a solution which can remove 99.9% of germs. Don’t sleep with dentures as this could lead to bacteria overgrowth. Always use soft brushes to clean dentures since even a small scratch may lead to more room for bacteria to hide.
2. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
It is advisable to drink water as it helps wash down food particles and bacteria and also keeps your mouth moist. Water also keeps the mouth moist which will in turn keep the dentures supple. A dry mouth is a catalyst for bad breath for denture wearers. Dentists however can recommend artificial saliva due to decrease in saliva production as one ages.
3. Practice proper oral hygiene
Cleaning the mouth, gums and palate regularly keeps bad breath away. Rinse dentures after every meal to remove food particles that could otherwise promote accumulation of bacteria along the gum line using an antibacterial mouthwash.
4. Visit the dentist after fitting
Despite having your dentures fixed, it is important to go for a check up so that your dentist can check if the fitting is well done.
5. Invest in cleansing and freshening spray
If you are having a busy day that won’t allow you to clean your dentures, freshening sprays are available and will help keep your breath fresh and still eliminate 99.99% bacteria.
For instances where the denture odor is too much, even after trying the tested solutions, dentists may recommend cleaning the dentures in a diluted bleach solution. Alternatively, it’s time to have the dentures repaired.
Dentures don’t cause bad breath but poor dental care practice will lead to bad odor. Clean them properly and regularly and enjoy the perks that come with them, a fresh breath being the goal.
