People who wear dentures are often stunned by just how easily bad breath (halitosis) can occur. In fact, this condition is sometimes simply known as 'denture halitosis'. Bad breath is obviously going to be embarrassing and cause some social anxiety, which can be particularly hard to deal with if you already feel self-conscious about wearing your dentures in public. Even more importantly, bad breath indicates that there is something wrong inside the mouth, and the factors that cause bad breath can themselves lead to more serious issues.
Here are just four common causes of bad breath in denture users.
1. Trapped Food Particles
One of the most common reasons that dentures start to smell is due to food particles becoming trapped between the false teeth. Since you cannot feel the presence of those food particles, it's easy to simply ignore them. However, you'll start smelling their presence once they begin to decompose. Make sure you remove your dentures after every main meal so you can brush between the false teeth and remove any trapped food.
2. Bacteria
While food particles can become trapped between your false teeth, bacteria can thrive within the microscopic holes along the surface of the plastic plates. Though they may appear smooth, those surfaces are irregular, and bacteria can easily thrive there if you don't take pains to prevent it. When bacteria does infest your dental plates, the dentures will start to smell. This is often frustrating since you won't actually be able to see the bacteria. Make sure you scrub the plates with a toothbrush each night to get rid of bacteria. If this does not prove successful, you can always invest in an ultrasonic cleaning machine.
3. Dry Mouth
People who wear dentures will often end up suffering from dry mouth. During the first few weeks of wear, the salivary glands may produce too much saliva due to the prolonged presence of an alien object, but over time that can stop. At the same time, the flow of saliva will be inhibited and the glands themselves may be blocked. This is bad news since one of saliva's main duties is to break down bacteria. Without an adequate supply, bad breath is more likely. Try drinking more water to encourage salivary production. If the problem continues, consider seeing your dentist; they should be able to prescribe an artificial saliva replacement.
4. Sores
If your dentures don't fit properly, it's possible for them to begin rubbing against your gums. This constant rubbing can create sores, which, in turn, can lead to infection. Oral infections will create an unpleasant odour, and oral sores are obviously something to deal with in any case. If you feel as if your dentures have started to rub, make sure you visit your dentist as soon as possible.
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