Because modern dentures are more comfortable than ever, you may be tempted to keep them in around the clock. In most cases, wearing dentures 24/7 isn’t recommended. Giving your mouth regular breaks from your dentures is an important part of maintaining healthy gums and oral tissues.
Your Gums Need a Break
Wearing dentures continuously puts pressure on the gums and tissues underneath them. Removing your dentures for several hours each day allows these tissues to rest and recover.
Taking your dentures out at night is particularly important. Sleeping without dentures gives your gums time to breathe and reduces prolonged pressure on the tissues. It can also help reduce the risk of irritation and soreness caused by extended denture wear.
Sleeping in Dentures Can Increase Risks
Keeping dentures in overnight may create an environment where bacteria and fungi can accumulate. This can contribute to oral infections, including denture-related stomatitis, which may cause red, irritated, or inflamed tissues beneath the denture.
Removing your dentures before bed and cleaning them properly can help reduce the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Your mouth should also be cleaned regularly, even when you don’t have natural teeth.
Clean Your Dentures Every Day
Proper denture hygiene is essential whether you wear full or partial dentures. Remove your dentures and gently brush them daily with a denture brush or another cleaning method recommended by your dentist.
Avoid using very hot water, which can potentially distort some dentures. Your dentist may also recommend soaking your dentures overnight in an appropriate denture-cleaning solution.
Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. If you still have natural teeth, continue brushing and flossing them as directed.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
There may be situations when your dentist recommends wearing dentures for extended periods, particularly immediately after receiving new dentures or following certain procedures. If you’ve recently received dentures, follow your dental professional’s specific instructions rather than removing them on your own schedule.
If your dentures cause persistent pain, sore spots, looseness, or difficulty chewing, schedule an appointment. Your dentist may be able to adjust them to improve their fit and comfort.
While dentures can make everyday life easier, they generally aren’t designed to be worn continuously without a break. Removing them at night gives your oral tissues time to recover and provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean your dentures and mouth.
About the Practice
Our team at Geller Dentistry welcomes you for all your denture needs, whether you’re interested in receiving them or your current set needs an adjustment. Drs. Geller and Garcia-Geller can provide you with full, partial, or implant-retained dentures made of lifelike, long-lasting materials, and can even place implants in-house. Call our Los Angeles office for an appointment at (323) 467-1472 or book online.