Bad breath (halitosis) is a common problem that most people will experience at multiple points throughout life. In a majority of cases, bad breath can be quickly improved by improving your dental hygiene habits. Still, there are multiple factors that may contribute to bad breath, some of which are not immediately apparent. Today the Dallas Dentures Dentist will explain the cause of this problem, so you can understand and effectively treat it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
In 90% of cases chronically bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria are allowed to linger and spread, they produce sulfur compounds that are primarily responsible for halitosis. Although a proper hygiene regimen is often enough to counter these bacteria, additional factors such as dentures may impede hygiene and general dental health.
How do Dentures Contribute to Bad Breath?
Just because you lost your teeth, you shouldn’t ignore your dental health. In with dentures you must be more concerned with the cleanliness of your gums and dentures. If you find yourself constantly suffering from halitosis, your dentures may be part of the problem:
Poor hygiene: Patients should continue to brush their gums, tongue, and palate at least twice a day after meals. If gum disease develops, bad breath will probably follow.
Unclean dentures: Dentures should also be cleaned whenever the mouth is, removing built-up bacteria and food particles. Your dentist can recommend a dental cleaning solution to keep dentures clean.
Wearing dentures for too long: Patients who keep their dentures in for extended periods of time, such as throughout the night, are more likely to have uncontrolled bacterial growth. The risk of gum disease, gum discoloration, and mouth sores will also be more likely.
Poorly fitting dentures: If ill-fitting dentures irritate the gums, they may lead to mouth sores, disease, or a fungal infection. Each of these complications can result in bad breath.
Take Care of Your Dentures
Remember to brush and rinse your dentures between meals. Before going to sleep, take your dentures out and place them in a sterilizing solution. As long as you keep your dentures (and your mouth) clean, you can significantly reduce the prevalence of bad breath.
Keep Bad Breath in Check
Be proactive in your dental health, whether you have a full set of teeth or a set of dentures. Call our Dallas Dentures Dentist to learn the source of your bad breath and what can be done to treat it.