My Dentures Smell Bad; How Can I Freshen Them Up?

Dentures have allowed countless people with missing teeth to enjoy complete smiles and restore much of their chewing ability. While these devices are specially crafted for a natural appearance and a comfortable fit, they can develop unsightly stains or unpleasant odors if they do not receive proper care. Here’s a brief guide to how denture odor develops, how it can be treated, and how it can be prevented.

What Causes Denture Odor?

Food residues and harmful oral bacteria will accumulate beneath the denture, between its artificial teeth, and on its outer surfaces if the appliance is not cleaned and soaked regularly. The human brain is programmed to detest the smells produced by large populations of harmful bacteria, so these buildups of decaying food particles can cause your restorations to develop unpleasant odors.

While dentures are so incredibly comfortable that you may be tempted to continue wearing them constantly, this is actually a horrible idea. Continuous denture wear will lead to food debris and harmful bacteria accumulating in the space between the appliance and the gums. This accumulation will be protected from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, and it can lead to foul smells as well as nasty gum infections.

How Can I Prevent Denture Odor?

The best way to prevent denture odor is to follow your dentist’s care and maintenance instructions. These will probably include:

• Remove and thoroughly rinse your dentures after eating.
• Remove and carefully brush your dentures with an approved cleaning agent and dental floss at least once a day.
• Place your dentures in a vessel of water or an approved soaking solution when you are not wearing them.
• Soak your dentures for at least eight hours a day so your mouth has time to rest and clean itself.
• Brush your soft oral tissues and use antibacterial mouthwash every day.
• See your dentist regularly for checkups.

How Can I Get Rid of Denture Odor?

If your dentures start to smell funny, first try improving your oral hygiene and restoration maintenance regimen. If the unpleasant odor persists, contact your dentist for help. They will be able to give your appliance a deep cleaning and recommend better hygiene measures for you to practice at home. However, your denture may need to be replaced if it is old or its structure has been compromised.

Don’t let unpleasant smells diminish the appeal of your gorgeous smile. Communicating with your dentist can help you find how to keep your appliance and your mouth in excellent condition.

About the Practice

Dr. Xinxing Liu graduated from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and regularly participates in continuing education coursework to develop her skillset further. She takes immense pride in providing the people of Dallas with exceptional dental services that address their needs and help them achieve prettier smiles. Her office offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If your dentures smell strange, contact her practice online or dial (469) 210-7223.