Should I Wear My Dentures At Night?
Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently started wearing dentures, you may wonder whether it’s okay to keep them in while you sleep. While your dentist might advise wearing your dentures nearly 24/7 for the first few weeks to help your mouth adjust, it’s important to consider what’s best for your long-term oral health.
Why Removing Dentures at Night is Recommended
Gum Health Matters:
Removing your dentures for at least eight hours, whether during the night or the day, allows your gum tissue to rest. This break is crucial because constant denture use can pressure the gums, leading to irritation and potential long-term damage.
Natural Cleansing Process:
Without dentures in place, your tongue and saliva can naturally cleanse your mouth. This process not only keeps your gums healthier, but also reduces the risk of infections caused by trapped food particles or bacteria under the dentures.
Preventing Oral Infections:
Wearing dentures continuously, especially at night, can create a warm, moist environment that’s ideal for bacterial and fungal growth. This can lead to conditions like denture stomatitis, a common infection characterized by inflammation, redness, and soreness in the mouth.
Better Denture Longevity:
Allowing your dentures to dry out overnight helps maintain their shape and fit, preventing warping or distortion. This practice can extend the life of your dentures and save you from the hassle of frequent adjustments or replacements.
When to Wear Dentures Overnight
There are instances when wearing dentures overnight might be necessary, such as during the initial adjustment period after getting new dentures. Your dentist may recommend this to help your mouth adapt more quickly. However, this is usually a temporary measure, and it’s essential to follow your dentist’s advice on when to transition to nighttime removal.
How to Care for Your Dentures Overnight
If you remove your dentures at night, proper care is vital. Here are a few tips:
Why would someone need an immediate denture?
Immediate dentures are used when a patient needs to have their natural teeth extracted. They provide both aesthetic and functional benefits by offering immediate teeth replacement during the healing period.
Clean Your Dentures Thoroughly:
Before placing them in a denture-soaking solution, brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush to remove any food particles and plaque.
Soak Your Dentures:
Store your dentures in a denture cleanser or plain water to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene:
Don’t forget to brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth before bed. This keeps your mouth healthy and ready for the next day’s use
The Bottom Line
While it might be tempting to keep your dentures in overnight for convenience, your oral health will benefit significantly from giving your gums time to rest. Regularly removing your dentures before bed and following a good care routine can help you enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile for years to come.
Book a consultation at one of the DentureTech clinic locations