When you first got your dentures, you might’ve been excited about having your full smile back. You likely felt a new wave of confidence and had an easier time eating your favorite foods. That said, if your pair is older, then they might’ve started to develop a bad smell to them. To help get rid of this unpleasant odor, here’s why it happened and tips to get back their freshness.
Why Have My Dentures Developed a Bad Smell Over Time?
When you run your tongue across your dentures, you might feel how solid they are. The material they are made from is very durable, but it’s also porous. There are tiny spaces that can harbor bacteria, so you may get buildup if you don’t properly clean out this prosthetic.
While you might imagine that brushing this restoration can get these spots alone, the bristles can’t get into them. Instead, the only way you can flush them out is by soaking. You will need to do this during the night in water or a specific solution to wash away bacteria.
What Can I Do to Freshen Up My Dentures?
Since poor oral hygiene is often the culprit for a bad odor on your dentures, avoiding it can be relatively simple! Here are a few tips to follow to keep them fresh for longer:
- Tighten up your denture care by brushing it twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear, gentle soap. That way, you can get rid of plaque on all the surfaces of it.
- Wipe down your gums, tongue, and inner cheeks to remove bacteria on them. This will help prevent any transferring from occurring.
- Drink plenty of water to rinse debris and particles that linger in your mouth after eating.
- Make sure you soak your dentures in water or a specific cleaning solution. The liquid will seep into your prosthetic, so any pores will be properly cleared out.
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit your dentist for your twice-yearly checkups and cleanings. They will be able to monitor the state of your dentures and keep them in great shape. You can get them polished up and relined; that way, you avoid any trouble with them and feel confident showing off your full smile for a long while.
About the Practice
At Indy Dental Group, our team is here to help the local communities restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures. Our compassionate dentists use high-quality materials to customize your results, so they look natural and feel comfortable to have in. Better yet, we are here to keep them strong while you get good use out of them. If you are due for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call any of our convenient offices closest to you.