Why Do My Dentures Smell So Bad?

Unlike your real teeth and gums, your dentures are immune to things like cavities and infection. So naturally if you don’t brush them, it’s not a big deal, right? Wrong! The truth is, even though your dentures can’t become injured in the same way your biological teeth and gums can, they can still become damaged if you don’t take care of them. If your prosthetics have begun to smell a little foul, here’s what could be happening, and what you can do to prevent it from continuing.

Common Causes of Denture Odors

There are many things that could cause your dentures to smell bad. From the foods you eat and drink, to oral bacteria and even your own saliva, they encounter plenty of debris during the day. Worse yet, if you use adhesives, that odor-causing matter can become trapped in there, too, holding on to excess smells until you clean it away.

Thankfully, a good scrubbing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild detergent should remove most of these offensive odors, but if you don’t clean your dentures well or regularly enough, they could be a lot harder to get rid of.

Ending Denture Odors

In addition to proper cleaning, another important key to preventing denture odor is making sure you soak them when they’re not in your mouth. This will keep them hydrated so they don’t warp or crack. Not only is this type of damage often unfixable, but it can create tiny entrances for food particles, bacteria, and odors to sneak into your prosthetics and become permanently trapped.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Finally, even if you have no remaining natural teeth, it’s still important to visit your dentist regularly for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Not only will you be screened for gum disease and oral cancer, but they will also check your dentures and make sure they are in good shape. They can even deep clean them, and if they’re damaged, reline, repair, or replace them.

Remember, dentures should not have an odor. If you notice yours still smell unpleasant even after cleaning them, schedule an appointment with your dentist for help.

About Our Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles, we understand that your oral health affects your entire body, not just your mouth. That’s why we offer a variety of dental treatments that can benefit your overall wellness, including dentures, which can help you speak clearly,  improve your confidence, and eat a healthy, nutritious diet.

If your dentures leave a lot to be desired in the aroma department, it could be time to repair or replace them. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today, and we’ll help get you smiling again! We can be reached via our website, or by calling 410-465-3224.