Dentures ‘Round-the-Clock: Is It Safe?

Dentures are a fantastic solution for those who have lost their natural teeth, restoring both function and appearance. However, many denture wearers find the maintenance needed to keep them pristine to be a hindrance. So, they just wear them all day and night, occasionally taking them out for cleaning. But is this practice safe, or effective? Continue reading to learn about the potential risks of wearing your dentures around the clock.

The Negative Effects of Constant Denture Wear

While dentures are designed to be comfortable and functional, it’s best to remove them for at least six to eight hours every day. Here’s why:

• Gum Health: Your gums need a break from the constant pressure and friction of the denture base. Removing them allows the gums to rest and recover, reducing the risk of irritation and sores.
• Preventing Infections: Wearing dentures continuously can create a moist environment that helps bacteria and fungus grow on them, leading to infections.
• Bone Resorption: Continuous pressure on the jawbone can accelerate bone loss, causing your jaw to shrink faster. This can affect the fit of your dentures and send you back to the dentist for adjustments or replacements more often.
• Health Risks: Wearing dentures overnight has been linked with health risks like respiratory infections and pneumonia. This is because bacteria left on your dentures is inhaled during sleep.

Why You Should Take Your Dentures Out Before Sleep

As you can see, there are several things that can go wrong from continuous denture wear. To avoid making yourself sick and avoid costly denture replacements, it’s best to take your dentures out and clean them before bed.

This will not only reduce or eliminate excess bacteria in your mouth during sleep but will also increase the longevity of your prosthetics. You’ll also find that your dentures are far more comfortable after cleaning them and letting your mouth rest and recover.

How to Care for Your Dentures Overnight

Good overnight care is important for keeping your dentures fresh and comfortable. Here’s how to prepare them before bed:

• Clean Your Dentures: Brush your dentures with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild colorless hand soap to remove food particles and plaque.
• Soak in a Denture Solution: Place your dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight. This helps to keep them moist and maintain their shape while disinfecting them.
• Clean Your Mouth: Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to remove bacteria and stimulate blood circulation.

While it may seem convenient to wear your prosthetics continuously, giving your mouth a break helps support your oral health. By taking the time to care for your prosthetics you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy denture experience. If you need more personalized guidance, call your dentist. They can give you easy-to-follow instructions for keeping your smile bright.

About the Practice

At Sunny Dental, you’ll find a professional team of dental experts ready to help you with all your smile needs. They use state-of-the-art dental technology and techniques to ensure that your treatment is comfortable, efficient, and affordable. Call (469) 765-8050 to schedule a denture consultation or visit the website to view all the treatments and services they offer.