If you have lost your teeth and started wearing dentures, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. Following your oral hygiene routine helps prevent the buildup of bacterial plaque that contributes to bad breath. Sometimes, though, you may find that even if you are practicing good oral hygiene, bad breath is still developing. When this is the case, it may be as a result of wearing dentures for a prolonged period, wearing old dentures, wearing poorly fitting dentures, or wearing unclean dentures.
Putting on Dentures for Too Long
You are advised that if you wear dentures, you give your mouth about six hours break from these restorations. You can utilize the break to clean and soak the restoration to maintain their structural and functional integrity. Putting on dentures for many hours encourages the growth of uncontrolled bacteria. In turn, you increase the risk of developing gum disease or mouth sores, which can cause bad breath.
Old or Poorly Fitting Dentures
Dentures that don't fit properly tend to irritate the gums. They also cause mouth sores. Left untreated, bacteria in the mouth may enter the sores, causing fungal infection as well as gum disease, and thus bad breath. If your dentures are poorly fitting, visit us for adjustment. If they are old, come for a replacement. Besides, if you use adhesives to make the dentures fit properly, make sure you clean off the old adhesive before you apply a new layer.
Unclean Dentures
You need to clean dentures every time you are cleaning your mouth. Doing that helps keep the dentures clean because it prevents food particles and bacteria from accumulating, which can lead to bad breath. Use a denture cleaning or mild soap and a toothbrush to clean the dentures. Make sure you also brush your teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day. Schedule your appointment with us if dentures are causing bad breath.
Dental Blog | Prosthodontist Houston, TX | Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS Dr. Alexandra Garcia is offering this blog as a resource to the community. Click here to learn more about procedures, home care, and a variety of other dental topics! Alexandra Garcia, DDS, MS, 777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 625, Houston, TX 77056 ^ (346) 250-2930 ^ dralexandragarcia.com ^ 4/25/2025 ^ Associated Words: dental implants Houston TX ^
If you have lost your teeth and started wearing dentures, you need to maintain good oral hygiene. Following your oral hygiene routine helps prevent the buildup of bacterial plaque that contributes to bad breath. Sometimes, though, you may find that even if you are practicing good oral hygiene, bad breath is still developing. When this is the case, it may be as a result of wearing dentures for a prolonged period, wearing old dentures, wearing poorly fitting dentures, or wearing unclean dentures.