New advancements in technologies and materials allow dentures to fit more comfortably than ever before. You may never want to take them out of your mouth. However, wearing your dentures 24/7 can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Although no one wants to be caught without their teeth, here’s why you must remove them at night..
Risks of Sleeping with Your Dentures
Dentures give you a beautiful smile and allow you to speak clearly. Not to mention, you can enjoy a variety of nutritious foods to keep your mouth and body healthy. However, your dentures restrict blood circulation to your gums. Your soft tissues need a break to get the nutrients they need to thrive. If you don’t take your dentures out at night, you can develop gum inflammation, sores, and even infections.
Oral bacteria growth also increases at night. Although dentures can’t get cavities, harmful oral bacteria can damage them and cause unwanted odors. Bacteria can also harm your oral health and overall wellness. Unclean dentures can increase your risk of respiratory illness and many other complications.
Your dentist will instruct you to wear your dentures for 24 hours after getting them. After the first night, you must take them out before going to bed. You’ll ensure your gums recuperate and get ready for the next day. It also allows you to clean them thoroughly, allowing them to last for many years. Clean dentures support your oral health and well-being.
How to Care for Your Dentures
Besides rinsing your dentures after eating, you must also brush them at night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean them. Do not use toothpaste because it can scratch your dentures and make them look discolored. Food residue and plaque can also get trapped in the crevices, weakening your denture over time.
In addition to brushing your dentures, place them in an overnight soaking solution to kill any bacteria missed by brushing. A denture solution will kill over 99% of bacteria to prevent unwanted odors. You’ll get the most from your investment while also keeping your mouth healthy.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll monitor your dental health for anything concerning and keep your dentures clean, so they always look their best.
About Dr. Deanne Rife
Dr. Rife earned her dental degree from the University of Florida and has continued her education at the Las Vegas Institute and the Misch International Implant Institute. She strives to help each patient smile a little brighter using the latest solutions in dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (914) 300-6655.