Dentures have many benefits – not only do they make your teeth look sparkly and new, but they also help you to eat and speak more comfortably. For this reason, it’s understandable that you might want to keep them in permanently, even whilst you are sleeping. Most dentists will recommend that you keep them in for the first few nights so that your mouth can adjust, but should this be done constantly?
If you’ve never worn dentures before, we understand that you will have a multitude of questions, which is why we have compiled this article containing everything you need to know.
Can I Sleep With My Dentures In?
The simple answer is no. Even though you may find wearing your dentures more comfortable than not wearing them at all, you shouldn’t sleep with them in, as this can be bad for your oral health.
Dentures place a lot of strain on your gums, so giving your mouth a rest during the night is important. Studies have shown that wearing dentures at night can actually lead to issues such as pneumonia, tooth decay, tongue plaque and gum inflammation, which are linked to bad breath and poor oral hygiene.
While it’s not the most pleasant thought, it’s important to bear in mind that the warm, wet conditions within your mouth are the perfect breeding ground for fungi. Plus, dentures can gather a large amount of plaque build-up which can quickly erode both your gums and permanently damage your dentures.
Every night before you go to bed, make sure you take out your dentures and give your teeth a thorough brush. You should also clean your dentures per your dentist’s recommendations.
Other Complications From Wearing Dentures To Bed
Bad breath and gum disease are not the only side effects of wearing dentures to bed. There are even more health risks to wearing them while sleeping.
For example, prolonged use of dentures can lead to bone loss or weakening of your jaw and gum bones, so taking them out whilst you sleep ensures that your bones stay healthy and strong. Similarly, removing your dentures at night will help them to retain their shape for longer, as long periods of wear will eventually cause them to become weaker.
At its worst, gum inflammation can lead to a condition called denture stomatitis, which causes the area beneath your dentures to become infected with yeast, red and inflamed. Hopefully, these side effects alone will be enough to put you off sleeping in your dentures!
How To Take Care Of Your Dentures Whilst You Are Asleep
When you go to bed, you should give your dentures a good brush to clean them, before placing them in a cup of warm water to soak overnight. Make sure that the water is not boiling or too hot, as this can cause the dentures to become misshapen. The warm water will dislodge any remaining plaque and kill off any bacteria that has started to grow on the surface, so just make sure you give your dentures a good rinse before you pop them back in.
So, the next time you consider sleeping in your dentures, hopefully you’ll refrain from doing so! While we understand they make your smile look better, no one – other than your partner – is going to see you without them, so it’s not worth taking the risk and wearing them through the night.
If you’re getting dentures and want to learn more about how to care for them, visit The Denture Clinic in Canberra.
