Ask Dr Toof

How Do I Prevent My Dentures From Smelling?

LAST UPDATED:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Q:

Hi Dr. Toof, I’m a 45-year-old mother and I’ve noticed that my dentures sometimes have a strange smell, which can be quite embarrassing when I’m talking to friends or family. I’ve been trying to keep them clean, but I feel like there’s more I can do to prevent them from smelling. I really want to ensure that my dentures are fresh and comfortable, especially since I enjoy social gatherings with my kids, who are 15 and 17. Could you please share some tips on how I can prevent bad odors in my dentures? Your advice would really help not just me but maybe other people too who are facing the same issue. Thank you!

- Our follower on social media

Hello there! Thanks for reaching out. Let’s tackle that denture smell together so you can enjoy your time with friends and family without any worries. First things first, it’s important to understand why this happens. Denture odors usually come from tiny food particles getting trapped, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up. Not cleaning your dentures properly can create a cozy spot for these odor-causing germs.

Let’s move on to an effective cleaning routine. You should clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush made for dentures and a mild dish soap or specific denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste can be quite abrasive and might harm your dentures, so best to avoid that. With the right tools, you’ll remove the food bits and bacteria efficiently.

Also, consider soaking your dentures. An overnight soak in a denture cleaning solution or a mix of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water can work wonders. This will help kill bacteria and keep your dentures smelling fresh. Just a friendly reminder, rinse them thoroughly before popping them back in your mouth to avoid any odd tastes.

While focusing on dentures, don’t forget your gums! Brushing your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth is vital too. This practice keeps bacteria at bay and contributes to a fresh breath overall, which in turn helps keep those dentures odor-free.

Lastly, if you’ve tried all this and the smell persists, it might be time to see a dentist. They’ll check for any fit issues or other problems and give your dentures a thorough clean. Maintaining regular dental check-ups is key for comfortable and hygienic dentures, and it brings more confidence in social gatherings.

About The Author

MDC 11249

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018

Dr. Athirah is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with a special focus on dental surgery and endodontics. She co-founded Dr Toof Dental Clinic to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.

Do you live near Kajang Perdana?

Come visit our clinic and have a chat with our friendly dentists.

Nak tahu harga rawatan gigi?

Sedang survey harga rawatan? Jom semak harga rawatan gigi