Modern dentures look just like real teeth and are so comfortable that you’ll probably forget that they’re there. Unfortunately, this comfort can make it tempting to fall asleep without removing them. While dentures are incredibly comfortable, it is necessary to remove them for eight hours every day for the sake of your dental health. Here’s why it is so important to soak your dentures overnight.
Your Dentures Are Full of Holes
Modern dentures are typically made of acrylic, which is filled with tiny pores. While these holes are too small to be seen by the human eye, they can provide shelter to colonies of harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. Unless your dentures are removed and cleaned on a daily basis, these germs will cause oral infections and bad breath. Untreated gum disease can alter the fit of your dentures, making them less comfortable and more likely to become dislodged.
The Bacterial Population in Your Mouth Increases as You Age
As we go through life, we encounter new germs, and some of them like us so much that they decide to hitch a ride. Though we gather more bacterial strains with age, our saliva production begins to decrease over time, making it harder to fight oral infections. While not all strains of bacteria in our mouths are bad for our health, the ones that are can wreak a lot of havoc on your gums and remaining teeth. Soaking your dentures in an approved cleanser can dramatically lower the number of bacteria living on and in your dentures.
Your Gums Need a Break
Going through the day wearing dentures is a lot of work for your gums, and they need eight hours at the end to rest and clean themselves. The stress of constantly wearing dentures can strain your gums and jawbone, which can lead to them receding and making it harder for the dentures to fit properly. Leaving your dentures in can also cause food debris to accumulate between them and the gums. This dark, wet, protected space is ideal for bacterial growth, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath.
Your dentures should be a long-term investment, and they must be cared for properly to last for a great while. Soaking is a proven method for cleaning your dentures and preventing oral infections.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith earned his dental doctorate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center before working at a variety of dental offices across Northeast Arkansas. He has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education through organizations like Nobel Biocare, Versah, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and Dentaltown. His office in Jonesboro, AR offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture treatments. For more information on caring for your dentures, contact the office online or dial (870) 932-2644.