There’s no denying that today’s dentures look and feel better than ever before. In fact, between their natural looking appearance and their incredibly comfortable fit, many patients are tempted to keep them in around the clock. But not so fast! Despite their enhanced comfort, it’s still extremely important to remove your dentures every night when you go to bed. Here’s why giving your mouth some much needed rest is still so important, and how you should properly care for your dentures when they’re not in use.
Why Do I Need to Remove My Dentures Every Night?
When you first get a new pair of dentures, your dentist may instruct you to keep them in your mouth for the first 24 hours. This is to ensure that they adapt to the shape and size of your arches, so they continue to fit properly for years to come. However, after the first full day, it is important to begin removing them every night when you go to bed. That’s because there are several risks associated with continuously wearing dentures, including the following.
Bacteria Growth
In addition to removing your dentures to brush and floss them each time you eat, it is very important to take them out at night before you go to bed to inhibit bacteria growth on the prosthetic while you sleep. Soaking them in a glass of water or denture solution not only keeps them pristine, but it also keeps your mouth healthier, too!
Stomatitis
Stomatitis is an oral yeast infection that can be caused by not removing your dentures. In addition to affecting the prosthetic, it can cause problems for your mouth, too. You may notice small red bumps along the roof of your mouth or redness in your oral tissues, especially beneath where the denture sits.
Bone Loss
One of the most dangerous things about missing permanent teeth is that it causes jawbone deterioration, which could ultimately lead to the loss of more teeth and even portions of your jaw. Although they place pressure on your arches, your new dentures should not accelerate or increase bone deterioration. However, wearing them too much can. Thus, to preserve your jaw and any remaining natural teeth, be sure to remove them every night to give your tissues and bones a well-deserved break.
Excess Wear
The more you use your dentures, the faster they will wear out. If you wear them while you sleep, even if you’re not using them to eat, your dentures will wear out faster. Worse yet, if you clench your jaw or grind your teeth (known as bruxism) you could be placing even more unnecessary wear on them without realizing it, meaning you’ll likely need to replace them much sooner than you were expecting!
Increased Buildup
If you’re not removing your dentures, chances are they’re not as clean as they could be. This can lead to an increase in buildup on the prosthetic, making them look dull, dirty, and discolored. Thus, be sure to take them out to brush and floss them each time you eat and remove them overnight, so they don’t develop new deposits of plaque and bacteria while you rest.
What Should I Do with My Dentures When They’re Not in My Mouth?
Now that you understand why it’s so important to take your dentures out every night before you go to bed, you may be wondering what to do with them while you’re sleeping. Once you remove them from your mouth, be sure to clean them completely using a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented hand soap. Be sure to scrub every surface of the prosthetic and rinse them well. Then, floss between each tooth, rinsing them again.
Once they are clean, gently place your dentures in a glass of room temperature water or denture soak somewhere that they can’t be reached by pets or small children. Leave them completely submerged overnight. When you wake up and are ready to wear them again, rinse them well and then put them back in your mouth. This will keep them hydrated so they don’t dry out and permanently crack or lose their shape.
Remember, while your dentures may seem like they belong in your mouth 24/7, the truth is even your smile needs a break. Thus, be sure to remove them when you go to bed each night, and they’ll stay clean and comfortable for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Plush Dentistry, Dr. Ali and Dr. Kraipak want to help restore your beautiful smile with a dazzling new pair of dentures! If you’re ready to upgrade your grin and once again enjoy all the benefits of a complete set of teeth, schedule a consultation at Plush Dentistry for dentures today by visiting our website or calling 469-256-7098.