24 May Can My Dentures Cause Bad Breath?
If you’re a denture wearer and are concerned that you’re developing bad breath (halitosis), you may wonder if your dentures are to blame. Bad breath has many causes, so determining the cause is not so black and white. But we do know that bacterial overgrowth is a common cause. So neglecting good oral hygiene could negatively impact either your natural teeth or dentures. Here’s what you need to know.
What causes bad breath?
Most common causes:
Bad breath has many causes, and according to Better Health Channel, the most common are:
- Bacteria colonising at the back of the throat
- Dental issues such as periodontal (gum) disease
- Dry mouth
Less common causes of bad breath include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Failing to clean dentures adequately
- Smoking
- Eating strong-smelling foods, such as onions and garlic
Aside from eating strong-smelling foods, most bad breath causes are linked to a buildup of bacteria. Because when bacteria break down, it emits a foul-smelling odour.
Bad breath from dentures
Just as you’d develop bad breath if you failed to clean your natural teeth, you can also produce bad breath if you fail to clean your dentures properly. Bacteria can hide in small crevices or become trapped under the denture arch if not cleaned. Additionally, acrylic dentures have a porous surface which can also be an attractive home for bacteria. This is why you must wash and brush dentures thoroughly and soak them every night.
Do my dentures smell?
Sometimes, we are so used to our body smell, it’s hard to tell if things are smelling a little ‘strong’. If you’re not sure if your dentures are ‘on the nose’, try removing them from your mouth and popping them in a sealed plastic bag for a couple of minutes. Open the bag, and take a whiff. If it doesn’t smell good, then it is likely your dentures of the cause of (or contributor to) your bad breath.
How to prevent your dentures from smelling
Good hygiene keeps most bacterial problems at bay. Here’s what you can do to keep your dentures and mouth smelling fresh:
Brush your dentures thoroughly once a day
According to the ADPA, you should gently brush your dentures using a soft-bristle brush each day. This will help remove plaque or any debris that has adhered to your dentures and can cause bad breath. Use toothpaste to brush your gums, inside your mouth and any other remaining teeth to avoid gum infection. All remaining teeth should also be flossed once a day.
Soak dentures each night
Each evening, remove your dentures and place them in a soaking solution overnight. The soaking solution should kill almost all bacteria. Once again, gently brush your gums and brush and floss any remaining teeth.
Drink water throughout the day
Drink water throughout the day– and rinse your mouth with water to help flush away any bacteria and debris. Regular rinsing will help keep your mouth feeling fresh and odour free.
Visit your denture clinic regularly for checkups
You must maintain regular visits to your denture clinic so your dental prosthetist can check your dentures, perform a denture reline or make any adjustments to improve the comfort and fit and check your gums and overall oral health. Of course, if you have some remaining teeth, you’ll need to check in regularly with your dental clinic so that they can check the health of your teeth and gums.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO DISCUSS DENTURES, CONTACT OUR CLINIC TODAY. T: (07) 4723 1366
Dentures Direct Queensland is located at Suite 8, 15–17 Castlemaine Street, Kirwan, Townsville Queensland. We are very close to Toohey Street, Thuringowa Drive and Burnda Street. Dentures Direct caters to the people of Kirwan, those in the surrounding suburbs of Mount Louisa, Cranbrook, Condon, Vincent, Aitkenvale and Gulliver – and residents further afield in Bowen, Ayr, Cardwell, Charters Towers and Innisfail.
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