Dentures are an excellent way to replace a full arch of missing teeth. They can help patients speak, eat and smile confidently. While these are critical benefits during the day, there’s no need for your dentures at night. Sleeping in your dentures doesn’t offer any good. In fact, it can be one of the worst habits for your smile health.
Your nighttime sleep is a chance for your body to rest and recover from the day’s work. This includes your mouth, and especially the pressure-bearing oral tissues supporting your dentures! Your gums need a break, and a chance to benefit from the replenishing, anti-bacterial agents of your saliva during the night. While it can be a chore to take out your dentures every night, don’t deprive your mouth of these much needed hours of recovery.
If you leave your dentures in during your sleep on a regular basis, you may set yourself up for the following:
More frequent adjustments or relines.
The bone resorption process that occurs after missing teeth may only be accelerated if you wear your dentures 24 hours a day. Since the underlying bone will receive constant pressure, the progression of bone loss may occur quicker than someone who removes his or her dentures at night. When the bony ridge under your denture loses density and form, your dentures will begin to feel loose or fit differently and thus require a reline or adjustment.
Higher risk for disease and infection.
By not taking out your dentures and properly cleaning them every night, you may be trapping harmful bacteria inside your mouth and allowing it to breed as you catch your zzz’s. This can lead to gum inflammation as well as infection throughout the rest of your body.
Bad breath.
Another consequence of excessive oral bacteria is foul odors coming from your mouth. Don’t make your morning breath even worse by sleeping in your dentures.
Irritations that won’t heal.
It is common for dentures to cause minor irritations within your mouth, especially at first. However, if you don’t give your soft tissues a chance to heal during the night, it may be difficult to find relief from cheek, gum and tongue sores.
Do your health and smile a favor and take the few minutes each night to remove your dentures. At Basin Dentistry, we always educate our patients on how to care for their dentures throughout the day. For step-by-step denture care tips, please call our office.
Posted on Behalf of Basin Dentistry