Dentures restore your smile, and the shape of your face, as well as make simple tasks, like eating and speaking, easy again. But while dentures have all of these benefits, they can often lead to bad breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Even though you no longer have teeth, it is still important to brush your gums (and any remaining teeth in the case of partial dentures), as well as your tongue and your cheeks. Neglecting to do so can cause bacteria to build up and even cause gum disease.Not Cleaning Your Dentures
Just like keeping your mouth clean, keeping your dentures clean is important as well. Otherwise, bacteria can continue to collect on the teeth under the base. Instead, clean your dentures when you clean your gums. Use a soft bristled brush and denture cleaning agents (not toothpaste). You should also let them soak overnight in a cleansing solution.Keeping Dentures in Too Long
You might think it is more convenient to keep your dentures in for longer periods of time, reducing the time you spend cleaning them, but this cleaning time is essential. Leaving your dentures in too long can result in bacterial buildup both on the dentures as well as the space between the base and your gums. Trapped bacteria feed on food particles that have fallen in this space and start to cause a foul odor.Your Dentures No Longer Fit
When your dentures no longer fit properly, the base can rub against your gums and lead to sores. These sores can then become infected, which can produce bad breath. To prevent this, address fit issues as soon as possible.Don't let your dentures be the cause of your bad breath. If you have any questions regarding how clean your mouth or your dentures, or how to stop bad breath in its tracks, contact our office.
