Dentures are a popular solution for rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because they can simultaneously improve your smile’s appearance and functionality. Whether you need a full or partial set, your dentist can provide a customized restoration designed to look and feel as natural as possible.
Many patients become so accustomed to their dentures that they wonder whether it’s okay to wear them 24/7, including overnight while they sleep. However, this isn’t usually recommended. Continue reading to learn 3 convincing reasons to remove them for bed instead!
Reason #1: Prevent Sores
Your dentures form a tight suction against the connective tissues over the bony ridges in your mouth, helping them remain firmly in place. Unfortunately, this reduces circulation to your gums. This, in turn, can cause sores that make wearing your restoration incredibly uncomfortable. Not only that, but it also increases the risk of developing other concerns, such as gum disease.
As a result, most dentists recommend removing your dentures at night to thoroughly brush all surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush that won’t abrade the material. Then, it’s usually best to place them in a glass of room-temperature water or special soaking solution while you sleep, giving your gums a much-needed break to rest and recover.
Reason #2: Avoid Infection
Your prosthetic is made from materials that don’t develop cavities, but that doesn’t mean that you no longer need to be concerned about the bacteria in your mouth. Germs that thrive in warm, moist environments can cling to the surface of your dentures and contribute to oral concerns, such as periodontal disease.
If you leave them in your mouth overnight, you’re more likely to inhale these microbes, which can contribute to other health problems, like respiratory infections. For example, sources have estimated that individuals who sleep in their dentures may be twice as likely to develop pneumonia as those who remove them at night.
Reason #3: Preserve Your Jawbone
Did you know that tooth loss weakens your jawbone? Without roots in place to stimulate new bone growth with each bite down, the foundation of your mouth grows thinner and weaker, which can eventually result in further tooth loss or cause your prosthetic to become ill-fitting.
Sleeping in your dentures can accelerate degeneration, leading to changes in your facial structure, such as sunken cheeks and additional facial wrinkles, as well as potential oral issues.
As you can see, taking your dentures out before bed can provide several benefits to your dental and general well-being!
About the Practice
At 325 Dentistry, patients benefit from two prosthodontists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Drs. Robert and Jonathan Hawley are a father-and-son team who share decades of combined experience. Today, they collaborate to provide a variety of dental services to conveniently meet all your unique needs, including lifelike dentures to rebuild your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (325) 692-0565.