Dentures are an excellent way to restore a smile after extensive tooth loss. In addition to allowing a patient to smile confidently again, they also restore much of their chewing ability and help keep their jaw strong and healthy. While modern dentures are known for being incredibly comfortable, it is not a good idea to wear them continuously for days at a time. Here’s why you should always remove and soak your dentures before going to bed.
What Happens If I Don’t Soak My Dentures Every Day?
The human mouth contains billions of bacteria, and the total population only increases with age. Some of these bacteria can be quite harmful. When you are wearing your dentures, the space between the appliance and the gums becomes the dark, damp, and warm environment that bacteria love. If you do not remove your dentures regularly, this space will become a breeding ground for the germs that cause gum disease, other oral infections, and bad breath.
To make matters worse, your dentures need to be removed in order to be properly cleaned. If food that gets caught between your gums and dentures is not removed, it will feed the multiplying bacteria and cause irritation. Acrylic dentures are full of tiny holes that can provide shelter to even more bacteria unless it is cleaned regularly.
Your mouth needs at least eight hours without your dentures every day so it can rest and clean itself. Without this rest, the constant stress of wearing dentures can lead to sores, gum disease, and even bone loss in the jaw. This bone loss will accelerate the changing of the shape of your mouth, making it necessary to get a new set of dentures sooner.
What Happens When I Soak My Dentures?
In addition to giving your mouth some much-needed rest, removing, and soaking your dentures is an incredibly effective way to keep your dentures clean and in working order. Giving your dentures a good soak overnight will kill more than 99% of the harmful oral bacteria living on and in it. This will keep your dentures comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and odor-free in the long run. It’s best to use an approved commercial cleanser for your nightly soak.
If the routine of removing, cleaning, and soaking your dentures is not a good fit for you, you might want to consider implant-supported dentures that are designed to remain in your mouth at all times. Consulting with your dentist can determine if this course of treatment is a good fit for you.
About the Practice
Dr. Praveena Muddana earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. She pursues continuing education through her memberships in the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her offices in Milwaukee and Grafton, WI offer general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture implants. For more information on proper denture care, contact the practice online.