What Can I Do About My Smelly Dentures?

Your dentures have served you well; they’ve allowed you to chew and speak freely, and you’ve even noticed that you feel more comfortable in social situations. But lately, you’ve noticed that they aren’t smelling quite so fresh, and consequently, your breath has suffered. You clean them every day but just can’t seem to rid them of the smell! Here, you’ll learn what causes these odors and how you can fix them to keep your prosthesis smelling like a million bucks!

What’s Making My Dentures Smell Bad?

Dentures can begin to smell bad due to several reasons, including:

• The accumulation of food particles on their surface and in their crevices.
• Dry mouth.
• Habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping.
• Underlying oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Why Would Dry Mouth Affect the Smell of My Dentures?

Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath for denture and non-denture wearers. A lack of saliva in the mouth can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to unpleasant odors.

To combat dry mouth, make sure you are drinking plenty of water for your body to produce saliva in the mouth. Check your medication to see if dry mouth is a side effect. If it is, talk to your doctor about alternative medicines. Opt for mouthwashes that don’t contain alcohol and cut down on caffeine and alcohol as excessive amounts can lead to dehydration.

What Can I Do to Improve My Dentures’ Smell?

Here are some tips for caring for your oral health to restore fresh breath:

• Remove and rinse your dentures after eating so food particles don’t accumulate on them.
• Rinse your mouth when removing your dentures to flush out odor-causing bacteria and food debris.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner, brush your dentures at least once a day to remove food, plaque, and any adhesive within the denture grooves.
• Store your dentures in water or a special denture-cleaning solution while you sleep. Keeping them moist will also help avoid dry mouth.
• Handle your dentures with care as small chips and cracks can create spaces where bacteria can grow and create bad smells.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Visit your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. A professional cleaning may improve bad breath caused by your dentures. You can also use this time to get recommendations from your dentist to address the issue. The underlying cause could be an issue with your oral health, and an examination will help them determine if something like tooth decay or gum disease is creating the smell.   

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh, we value relationships, and we create strong ones by treating our patients like family. We offer conveniences including being open late multiple weeknights and handling virtually all your dental needs under one roof – no referrals required! Are you having issues with your dentures? Schedule an appointment with us online or call our office at (412) 854-2310.