Dentures can collect plaque and tartar just like your natural teeth, which can lead to bad breath, lower confidence, and can affect your interpersonal relationships. However, there are several ways you can reduce plaque and tartar buildup on your dentures and keep your mouth fresh and as free of undesirable bacteria as possible.

What Causes Bad Breath While Wearing Dentures?

The simple fact is that when food becomes lodged under your dentures, it becomes the primary culprit for your bad breath. Pieces of food that linger too long can cause a layer of plaque around your dentures, producing an undesirable odor. Without proper daily cleaning, bacteria can also build up on your dentures, causing bad breath.

How To Properly Clean Your Dentures

In addition to proper cleaning, it's also important to use a denture adhesive to help keep food from getting trapped under your dentures. This creates a seal between your dentures and gums and can also help you enjoy your meals, as well as reduce your chances of having bad breath. A proven effective method for cleaning dentures is the Soak, Brush, and Rinse technique.

Soak

Drop a denture tablet (recommended by your dentist) into a container of warm water. Make sure the water is not hot, however, as this can damage your dentures. Ensure that the solution completely covers your dentures. This will remove any debris that can't be removed in the brushing stage.

Brush

Just as with your natural teeth, brushing helps prevent buildup of plaque and tartar. Use a soft-bristled brush with the denture tablet solution to gently brush your dentures to remove any remaining debris. There are special denture brushes available that are gentle enough to use daily. Avoid using toothpaste to clean your dentures, as many are abrasive enough to cause scratches on your dentures where bacteria can grow.

Rinse

Once you've soaked and brushed your dentures, rinse them thoroughly with running water.

It is essential to clean your dentures daily, using gentle products to avoid scratching. Knowing how to clean them and being dedicated to doing it regularly may prevent your bad breath. For more information about possible causes for your halitosis, contact our office. We will help you get to the root cause of your bad breath and offer solutions that will work for you.

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