Denture Information

Bad Breath (HALITOSIS) Bad Odour

Bad breath is known by us Practitioners as Halitosis and is mainly caused from the carcases of millions of dead bacteria rotting away in the uncleaned mouth and the surrounding oral tissues. These unpleasant odours released from the mouth may appear periodically or permanent, depending on the actual cause.This problem creates tremendous embarrassment for many people. However in most cases can be remedied, usually by altering ones ineffective hygiene habits. Unfavourable oral odours are mostly the result of the remanence of food particles surrounding the teeth, poor dental hygiene, decaying teeth and consequently infected gingiva. Halitosis odour is the result of vaporising compounds dispersing in breath, and generally a combination of methylmercaptan and hydrogen sulphide. Just because the teeth are extracted, people will assume that bad oral odour is caused by plaque affected and rotting teeth, which is partly untrue. The mouth will still harbour bacteria especially where there are dentures involved. Dentures can absorb, both oral and rehydration fluids, which can add to the compounding odour further. Dead bacteria are only visible as plaque when the denture has been left out of the mouth or is in lack of moisture and totally dry. Plaque is the main cause for offensive odours progressing to the extent that mouthwashes and general oral cleaners and disinfectant are absolutely ineffective. This is mainly due to dental appliances that are not cleaned thoroughly or frequently enough. If however, the odours persists a regimental mouth cleaning procedure should be followed such brushing the mouth palate and ridges as well as the tongue. If the dentures seem to be clean and have been left out at night, every night, cleaned appropriately with a brush and liquid detergent and immersed in clean water and the problem still persists, then a practitioner should be sought for advice to help the patient seek a possible pharmaceutical remedy. Dental appliance should constantly be cared for with diligence. Making sure to clean your dental appliances properly, by removing them form the mouth and cleaning all the surfaces thoroughly, not whilst sitting in the mouth like natural teeth.