“Does wearing dentures make your breath stink?”

Great question. Wearing dentures does not mean you'll have bad breath. There are many reasons for Halitosis. Improper care for your dentures and mouth could be one of them. Be sure to take your dentures out at night, clean them with a mild liquid dish soap. A toothpaste can put scratches in them and food and debris stick to these scratches and yuck. Brush your gums with a soft brush and use a non-alcoholic mouthwash. Dentures are not maintenance free. Oh, and never soak a dirty denture. I hope this helps and if you're already doing these things it could be something else. See your dentist regularly and have dentures refitted if you're using any denture adhesives and get a new denture every 5-7 years.

It can if you do not keep the mouth tissues clean under the denture.

Wearing dentures is not the cause of bad breath; however, not cleansing them properly and regularly can cause the dentures to harbor bacteria through its accumulation daily. Your dentures are most likely made of an acrylic material which is porous and just like teeth when the bacteria is not removed it can be hardened from the minerals in one's saliva and carry an odor. In addition, cleansing of one's tongue and mouth is also important for one's oral health. Do the following:

-When you remove the dentures, immediately clean them with a soft toothbrush.
-Soak them in clean water when not in use.
-Use a denture cleaner that is nonabrasive.
-Use a tongue scraper to cleanse your tongue.

You should have considerable improvement in your breath. If bad breath continues, visit your dentist because a professional cleansing of the dentures may be necessary for a "fresh" start!

Marie "Doc" Holliday, DMD

A denture is made of plastic and acrylic and therefore can absorb smells to a small extent. But if you ate garlic, your breath would smell of that too, regardless if wearing a denture. It is important to keep a denture clean. Daily brushing and soaking overnight in a solution that cleans and refreshes should eliminate any problem or concern. Dentures do stink when they are not properly maintained!

Susan Fredericks. DDS MPH

Yes.