Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option for those who have suffered from extensive tooth loss. Trouble speaking, smiling, and chewing can 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 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 that you should use to keep your dentures clean.
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating
- Clean your mouth when you take out your dentures
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleanser
- Soak your dentures overnight to keep them moist
Avoid Dry Mouth
When there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, worsening bad breath. By keeping your mouth moist, you can help to reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Here are some ways you can do that.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- See if dry mouth is a common side effect 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 your 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 underlying health issues.
By seeing your dentist every six months, they can catch these issues as early as possible so they can be treated quickly. They will also check that your dentures fit properly, preventing bacteria from buildup up between the dentures and your gums.
If your dentures aren’t feeling the freshest, try the things listed above and let your dentist know your concerns. This way, you can enjoy a squeaky-clean smile!
About the Practice
At Dental Group of Jefferson, Dr. Casey Hammond and Dr. Stephanie Pichler work together to treat patients in the Jefferson community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you have concerns about your dentures, they would be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (440) 576-7040.