The Risk of Not Cleaning Your Dentures Properly

If you wear dentures, you already know how important they are to your everyday life. They allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. But what many patients don’t realize is that cleaning your dentures properly is just as important as wearing them. Failing to maintain them can lead to more than just bad breath—it can affect your health, your comfort, and the lifespan of your dental appliance.

At the Marietta office of Dr. Wayne Suway, we work with patients throughout the Atlanta area who rely on full or partial dentures to restore their smile. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when denture care is neglected—and we’re here to help you avoid those problems with simple, effective habits.

Why Denture Hygiene Isn’t Optional

Dentures are not natural teeth—but they should be treated with the same level of care. Think of them as an extension of your body. Like any oral appliance, they come into contact with food, saliva, and bacteria all day long. When they aren’t cleaned thoroughly, that bacteria multiplies quickly—leading to a wide range of potential health concerns.

Let’s explore some of the biggest risks associated with poor denture hygiene.

1. Oral Infections and Irritation

Neglected dentures can harbor bacteria, fungi, and plaque. One of the most common conditions that results is denture stomatitis, a type of inflammation in the tissues under the denture. This can cause redness, swelling, discomfort, and even sores in the mouth.

Another potential infection is oral thrush—a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, which thrives in warm, moist environments like an unclean denture.

These infections are not only painful—they can interfere with your ability to eat and speak comfortably and may require antifungal medications or denture adjustments.

2. Foul Odor and Bad Breath

No one wants to be the person with chronic bad breath. Unfortunately, unclean dentures are a common culprit. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay in natural teeth can cling to dentures, especially if food particles are left behind.

Without regular cleaning, your dentures become a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. Even if you brush your tongue and rinse your mouth, the smell can return as soon as you put the dentures back in.

3. Tissue Damage and Pressure Sores

Dirty dentures are rarely well-fitting dentures. As buildup accumulates, it can create uneven surfaces that put pressure on certain areas of your gums or soft tissue. Over time, this can lead to sores, blisters, or raw spots in the mouth.

For patients in Marietta who rely on their dentures every day, these pressure sores can make simple activities like chewing or even smiling painful. Preventing them is often as simple as keeping your dentures clean and checking for changes in fit.

4. Gum Disease in Remaining Teeth

If you wear partial dentures and still have some of your natural teeth, keeping your denture clean is even more important. Plaque and bacteria from the denture can easily transfer to your remaining teeth and gums—putting you at risk for:

• Gingivitis (gum inflammation)
• Periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
• Bone loss around teeth
• Tooth decay near denture clasps

In short: poor denture hygiene doesn’t just harm your appliance—it can threaten the health of your real teeth, too.

5. Shortened Lifespan of Your Denture

Dentures are an investment in your smile, and like anything you rely on daily, they require maintenance to last. Dentures that aren’t cleaned properly can:

• Warp or lose shape over time
• Accumulate stains and discoloration
• Develop a rough, uncomfortable surface
• Become brittle or develop cracks

With proper care, a high-quality denture can last 5–10 years or more. Neglecting basic cleaning shortens that timeline and increases your risk of needing repairs or early replacements.

6. General Health Risks

Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Studies have shown links between oral infections and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections.

Bacteria that build up on dentures can be inhaled into the lungs, especially while sleeping, which may lead to aspiration pneumonia—a serious condition particularly dangerous for older adults.

At Dr. Suway’s Marietta practice, we remind our denture patients that a clean mouth is part of whole-body wellness.

How to Clean Your Dentures the Right Way

Keeping your dentures clean doesn’t have to be time-consuming—but it does have to be consistent. Here’s what we recommend:

Daily Brushing
Use a soft-bristled denture brush or toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to brush your dentures at least once a day. Don’t use regular toothpaste—it’s too harsh and can scratch the surface.

Rinse After Every Meal
Take a moment to remove your dentures and rinse them with warm water after eating. This helps dislodge food particles and keep bacteria from settling in.

Soak Overnight
Dentures should be kept moist to retain their shape. Soak them overnight in a denture solution or warm water. Never use hot water, which can warp the material.

Clean Your Mouth, Too
Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every day with a soft toothbrush or gauze. If you wear partials, clean your natural teeth thoroughly around the denture area.

Regular Checkups
Visit Dr. Suway’s office for denture cleanings and oral exams. We’ll make sure your denture still fits properly and your oral tissues are healthy.

When to Call the Dentist

Sometimes, issues with your denture can’t be fixed with cleaning alone. Call Dr. Suway in Marietta if you notice:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen, or painful gums
• A loose or ill-fitting denture
• Cracks, chips, or visible buildup
• Sores that don’t heal
• White patches on your tongue or cheeks

Our team can assess the issue and help get your smile back on track—whether that means a professional cleaning, a fit adjustment, or a new custom-made denture.

Keep Your Smile Fresh in Marietta with Dr. Wayne Suway

Your dentures are more than just a replacement for teeth—they’re a vital part of your confidence, function, and quality of life. Don’t let neglect turn your greatest asset into a liability.

At Dr. Wayne Suway’s office in Marietta, we specialize in restorative and implant dentistry, including high-quality dentures and expert guidance on how to care for them. Whether you’re new to dentures or have been wearing them for years, we’re here to support your smile every step of the way.

Schedule your checkup today and make sure your denture—and your mouth—are as healthy as they should be. A fresh, clean smile is just a visit away.