Dentures are the standard method of replacing missing teeth because of their many benefits. They’re a versatile solution that simultaneously restores your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Caring for your new teeth properly is essential to continue to make the most of them. Many patients have questions about what to do with their dentures at night, like whether it’s okay to sleep with them in. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons it’s not usually recommended!
Consideration #1: Dentures Are Porous
Your prosthetics may seem to have a completely solid surface to the naked eye. However, if you were to zoom in with a microscope, you would see that they’re covered in tiny pockmarks. These pores make ideal hideaways for germs.
Most people have anywhere from 20 to 100 billion bacteria in their mouths that can cause plaque buildup on their dentures and/or gum disease. Your body relies on its own defense systems to fight infection if they try to penetrate your enamel, but your prosthetics aren’t made from the same organic materials. That means they won’t benefit as much from your natural immunity.
Consideration #2: Nighttime Dry Mouth
Your body is designed to follow a natural circadian rhythm that controls its functions for sleeping and waking, which can impact your oral health. For instance, your body produces less saliva at night because you’re in a state of rest and not actively eating or digesting anything. Germs love dry conditions, so they proliferate while you snooze, contributing to smelly dentures, gum disease, and other concerns.
Furthermore, if you snore or suffer from sleep apnea, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth while asleep. If you wear them overnight, they could dry out, and the material can crack. This can lead to ill-fitting dentures that require repairs.
Consideration #3: Soaking Kills Bacteria
Germs love hiding in the microscopic pores of your dentures, and unfortunately, sometimes brushing and flossing aren’t enough to thoroughly clear them away, and they thrive at night. Your dentist recommends placing your restoration in a glass of room-temperature water (hot temps can warp the material) while you sleep because it kills germs. The liquid seeps into the minuscule grooves to rinse away unwanted particles and keep your new teeth looking fresh and clean. You can also soak them in a special cleaning solution that can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria.
Although it’s not the end of the world if you forget to take your dentures out for bed now and then, your mouth and your restoration if you remove them to soak them instead.
About the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda has roughly 25 years of experience helping people build happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry and has completed 1400+ hours of continuing education training in specialty topics like sedation, dental implants, root canals, cometic services, and orthodontics. He can provide a lifelike restoration customized to meet your unique needs, regardless of your current dental condition. To schedule an appointment, contact the office on the website or call (702) 456-7403.