Avoiding Bad Breath With Dentures

People who wear dentures typically have the same complaints. Although the types of dentures made today are fantastic compared to those from years ago, issues can still arise.

The biggest concerns are slippage, discomfort, poor fit, and bad breath. The bad breath problem is often how others know when a person is wearing dentures.

Similarities between dentures and real teeth

Along with big differences between dentures and real teeth are also some similarities. For example, an individual must take proper care of their dentures. That includes brushing and flossing several times a day, gently brushing the gums, soaking them at night, and reporting a problem to a dentist. Keeping them clean and sanitized is essential to good oral health.

Just like real teeth, dentures can develop plaque. If someone does not properly clean their dentures, over time, trapped food particles turn to plaque. If the plaque is not removed, bacteria form. When that happens, a denture wearer would be at risk for gum issues and bad breath.

Ways to avoid bad breath

Proper cleaning is the number one solution for bad breath. A denture wearer must clean them daily. The combination of soaking, brushing, and rinsing with mouthwash is highly effective for cleaning the mouth and preventing bad breath. So, anyone who wears dentures needs to adopt a good regimen and follow it religiously.

Dental adhesive can also lead to bad breath. Unless someone has implant-supported or snap-in dentures, they need adhesive to keep them firmly in place. However, that sticky substance grabs food particles, which then get stuck underneath the dentures. To prevent that from happening, an individual should use a strong and long-lasting adhesive recommended by a dentist.

The soaking process is also critical for avoiding bad breath. A good option is to use a cleansing tablet formulated specifically for dentures. For people who prefer more natural remedies, a mixture of baking soda and water works quite well. Vinegar is another great soaking solution that will help with the bad breath issue.

Along with rinsing out the mouth after every meal, a denture wearer can do this throughout the day. The only thing a person needs is a small bottle of freshening mouthwash and a quick trip to the restroom. However, if someone has to do this often, they might want to speak with a dentist. After all, stubborn bad breath could indicate something else is going on.

For example, ill-fitting dentures rub against the gums. Over time, that can cause a lot of irritation. In some instances, the constant chaffing could cause infection to develop. So, if an individual takes all the right steps to prevent bad breath but none work, there is some risk of gum infection.

Enjoy the benefits of dentures

As long as you follow your dentist’s advice, you should have no problem with your dentures. Just remember that if you notice something out of the ordinary or constant bad breath that nothing seems to help, make an appointment. It is better to have them checked than to develop a serious issue. You want to feel comfortable and smile wide when wearing dentures.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.