How to avoid bad breath with dentures

Just like with your natural teeth, plaque and tartar can build on your dentures, and this can lead to bad breath. There are some steps you can take, however, to ensure you have a clean, fresh denture and that can help you to feel confident in getting on with your day.

What may cause bad breath while wearing dentures?

After eating, bits of food may become lodged underneath your dentures and can be the root of any potential bad breath. The plaque caused by the lingering food can form a layer around your dentures, creating an unpleasant smell . Failing to clean your dentures every day can also cause bad breath due to a build-up of bacteria, as can wearing your dentures all the time.

How can you avoid bad breath while wearing dentures?

Use a denture adhesive: Using a denture adhesive can help prevent food from getting trapped underneath your dentures by creating a seal between your gums and dentures. This can allow you to enjoy your meals, without having the worry of bad breath.

Clean them regularly: You should clean your dentures every day to remove food and plaque to help keep them fresh and leave you feeling confident when speaking to your friends and family. There are three simple steps you can follow to help you smile with confidence – soak, brush and rinse. An effective way to clean dentures is to give them a deep clean by soaking them in a specialist denture cleanser tablet, such as Polident. The cleanser tablets will also ensure that 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria are eliminated* - for the best results be sure to closely follow the instructions as directed on the pack.

Next you should brush any remaining debris from your dentures using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Once soaked and brushed, you should then rinse your dentures thoroughly under running water.

Take your dentures out at night: You should remove your dentures before you sleep to give your mouth and gums a well-earned rest.

Keeping your dentures clean and fresh can not only help eliminate the risk of bad breath, but can also help you feel confident in social situations. Your dentist is on hand to offer you more advice on your denture cleaning routine.

* Percentage achieved in laboratory tests