Just because dentures are artificial it does not mean they do not cause any bad breath. On the contrary, it is the same type of bacteria that form in between the natural teeth and gums that tends to form in between the dentures and gums as well. Especially, the type of bacteria that emit Sulphur compounds that are the prime cause of bad breath. Denture wearers, both partial and complete are faced with the problem of denture breath, which is known as denture halitosis.
Causes of Bad Breath with Dentures
So, what are the causes of bad breath with dentures? One contributing cause is lack of proper dental hygiene and not cleaning dentures regularly. It is not just removing the dentures and cleaning them, it is important to clean the areas hidden under the dentures, the soft tissue areas on the gums where bacteria thrive. Bacteria can thrive on the underside of the tongue, which is often very difficult to clean. Using mouthwash with dentures is an effective way to keep the bacteria in control and prevent bad breath.
How to Avoid Bad Breath with Dentures
The best way to avoid bad breath with dentures is to clean the small crevices between the dentures and gums thoroughly. Ensure that no food particles get stuck in the gaps as they can decompose and become a breeding spot for bacteria. Remember to remove your dentures before going to bed. Keep the dentures in a glass container filled with water.
The gap between the dentures and the gums where the dentures rest is the ideal place for bacteria to thrive and multiply. This space is always covered by the dentures and offers a protected area for the bacteria to grow undisturbed. Moreover, food particles get stuck in the gaps and offer an unlimited supply of food for the bacteria that cause halitosis.
Natural Home Remedies for Bad Breath, How to Keep Your Breath Fresh with Dentures
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Denture wearers must remember to remove the dentures before going to bed. They must also clean the gums where food particles and bacteria can build up.
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Gargling with warm salt solution helps fight the bacteria buildup in the oral cavity. Moreover, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and swish it in your mouth before swallowing as it helps keep your breath fresh, especially in the mornings.
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Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day must be made a practice.
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Toothbrushes need to be replaced every two months as worn out toothbrushes are ineffective and poor at cleaning.
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Regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning help keep the mouth free of bacteria buildup.
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Using a tongue cleaner/scraper helps clear up the fungal growth, bacteria and dead cells, which cause bad breath and other health problems.
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Popping some cloves, a bit of cinnamon, fennel seeds, or aniseeds helps fight bad breath and freshens the breath.
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Suck on a lemon peel or orange rind for a few minutes, it can do wonders to get rid of foul odor in your mouth.
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Chewing mint leaves, parsley or basil keeps the mouth fresh. Basil has some great medicinal properties as well.
Apart from the above, chewing on raw, crunchy vegetables is good for health and helps clean the teeth as well. Biting into an apple or raw carrot is good as they contain pectin, which is good for controlling unpleasant odor. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and keeps the breath fresh for long.
While biting into apples may be a problem if you are wearing clip-on dentures, it shouldn’t pose a problem if you use denture paste to hold your dentures firmly in position. A medicinal mouthwash with dentures on is a safe way of getting rid of bad breath and keeping your mouth fresh.
The above tips are some of the popular and effective bad breath remedies. However, people looking for a permanent bad breath cure should visit their dentists and seek professional advice. Good dental hygiene goes a long way in keeping the oral cavity free of unpleasant odor and gum diseases.
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