If you're thinking about getting dentures because you have bad teeth but you're leery about it because you remember how your grandmother or grandfather had bad denture breath, you don't have to be concerned. Bad breath develops in denture wearers because they don't care for their dentures properly just like people who don't brush their natural teeth develop bad breath. By following these simple steps, you'll keep your dentures odor-free so you can fully enjoy your new smile.

Soak Your Dentures At Night 

One important rule to remember is to take your dentures out at night and soak them. This is important because it gives your gums a rest and cuts down on the growth of bacteria on the dentures at a time when you don't need them anyway. Plus, when you soak your dentures with a cleaner, bacteria and stains are removed so your dentures stay white and free from bad odors. Just remember, when you take your dentures out overnight, you need to soak them in water. Otherwise, they will dry out. If you're out of denture cleaning tablets, then just soak them in plain water so they don't dry and warp. This can lead to a poor fit that irritates your gums and causes further problems.

Clean Them With A Denture Brush

Buy special equipment for keeping your dentures clean. Denture brushes have a unique design that helps them get in the ridges and around teeth to clean them thoroughly. While you may want to rinse your dentures during the day to get rid of food bits, you should scrub them with a brush at least once each day to get rid of bacteria that can cause odor.

Brush Your Mouth And Tongue

When you brush your dentures, you'll also want to take time to brush your mouth and tongue. Use a soft-bristle brush and toothpaste to brush your gums and tongue to remove bacteria. Anti-bacterial mouthwash also helps reduce bacteria in your mouth that contribute to bad breath. If you have any healthy teeth that are being used to anchor your dentures, you'll want to take care of them properly with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups so they stay free from decay and gum disease that can lead to bad breath.

See Your Dentist If Bad Breath Persists

If you continue to have bad breath when you have dentures, talk to your dentist. You might have a fungal infection in your mouth which sometimes develops in denture wearers. Bad odors can also result from dentures that have a poor fit. A poor fit allows food to get under the plates and slowly decay and release foul odors and grow bacteria. You don't have to put up with poorly fitting dentures because your dentist can adjust them until they fit like they should.

You don't have to worry about dentures giving you permanent bad breath. As long as you brush them regularly and soak them nightly, your dentures should remain free of foul odors. Rather than dentures being a source of embarrassment, they can be a source of freedom from dental problems and being self-conscious about your smile. For more information, contact a business such as All Valley Dental.