After struggling with the negative impact of tooth loss on your confidence, oral health, and overall well-being, dentures may feel like a godsend for your overall quality of life. Naturally, you don’t want to take them out unless you absolutely have to, like when it comes time to clean them. But is sleeping with them in ideal? While it’s not dangerous, there are some advantages to soaking your dentures as you doze. Read on to learn more!
#1. Give Your Gums a Break
As you go about your day-to-day activities, your dentures rely on your gums for support. Over time, this can constrict the blood flow to the area, causing them to become tender and sore. To prevent this from happening, it’s a good idea to give them a break when you can, like when you sleep. By doing this, your gums will be refreshed and ready for everything the following day has to offer!
#2. Remove Bacteria and Plaque
Like your natural teeth, your dentures can accumulate food particles, plaque, and bacteria throughout the day. Of course, you can keep the debris to a minimum by implementing a consistent oral hygiene routine each morning and evening. However, to give your dentures a really deep cleaning you need to soak them in a denture-friendly cleaner, which will remove the bacteria from the small pores on the surface. Since you won’t want to take them out to eat or socialize with friends, use the hours you’re sleeping to freshen them up!
#3. Clean Your Remaining Teeth and Gums
Whether you have a few of your natural teeth still intact or don’t have any left, it’s important to keep your mouth clean. In short, the level of bacteria in your mouth continues to rise as the years go on, increasing your chances of dental problems, like gum disease. To prevent that from happening, remove your dentures at night to clean your teeth and gums. If you aren’t sure what products to use or want to double-check your technique, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist.
Since dentures are designed to be comfortable and lifelike, it’s not surprising that so many patients want to sleep with them in. However, it’s important to remember to do what’s best for the longevity of your dentures too. So, soak them in a denture-friendly cleaner each evening instead!
About the Practice
Tooth loss isn’t just an oral health concern, it’s a general health concern as well. That’s why our team at University Dental Group offers several tooth-replacement solutions, including modern dentures. These lifelike, durable, and long-lasting restorations can improve your smile, bite, and speech for years to come. To learn more about denture best practices or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (508) 960-6495.