Smelly Situations: 3 Causes of Stinky Dentures

If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, dentures are a versatile solution that can simultaneously rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. These restorations are made from customizable materials that can be made to look and feel just like your natural teeth and gums.

However, if you’ve noticed a bad smell coming from your dentures, you might hesitate to continue wearing them. Keep reading to learn more about why this happens and what you can do to prevent it!

Cause #1: Bacteria Buildup

You likely already know that your prosthetics can’t get cavities; they consist of a durable acrylic foundation containing porcelain pontics (artificial teeth) that won’t decay like enamel. With that said, bacteria in your mouth can still cling to the surfaces and build plaque, which contributes to gum disease and halitosis (chronic bad breath).

Thankfully, a thorough cleaning can often reduce the unpleasant odor sufficiently. You should remove your dentures twice daily to thoroughly scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand or dish soap that won’t abrade the surfaces. This removes unhealthy germs, leftover food, and other debris to freshen your breath!

Cause #2: Dry Mouth

Did you know that saliva is your mouth’s first defense against common oral issues like tooth decay and periodontal problems? It has a nearly neutral pH balance to counteract potential acid damage, and also rinses away unwanted microbes that cause decay, disease, and funky aromas. Our mouths produce less moisture as we age, which unfortunately often coincides with tooth loss that comes with growing older.

Bacteria in your mouth thrive in dry conditions and eventually can form a buildup on your dentures that looks and smells unpleasant. You can prevent this by drinking plenty of water during the day to keep your mouth wet enough to keep unwanted germs at bay. As a bonus, improved hydration can boost your immune system to fight infections like gum disease better!

Cause #3: Wearing Them at Night

Whether you’re forgetful or are simply frustrated with frequently removing and reinserting your restoration, you might feel tempted to leave it in your mouth overnight. While one or two instances probably won’t hurt you, it’s best not to make it a regular habit. Your mouth is full of germs and naturally produces less saliva at night, making it a breeding ground for microbes waiting to coat your dentures.

Leaving them in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution overnight ensures they retain their shape while killing up to 99% of bacteria while you sleep.

If you’re still unsure why your dentures have a foul odor, consulting your dentist is the best way to identify the cause and potential solutions!

Meet the Author

Dr. Ronan Freyne is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of  Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He stays current with the latest techniques by participating in various courses, meetings, trainings, and other continuing education opportunities. He provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including replacing missing teeth. He combines a caring approach with advanced technology to improve patient comfort while delivering lifelike restorations meant to last, like dentures. You can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 986-0700.