Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because a single restoration can rebuild an entire arch’s appearance and functionality. However, if you’ve only recently started wearing yours, you might have questions about what’s considered normal. For example, if you’ve had a long, exhausting day, you might feel tempted to drop into bed without removing your new teeth first.
While this might be safe to do occasionally, most dentists don’t recommend it. Continue reading to learn about 3 reasons why it’s wiser to soak them while you sleep instead!
Consideration #1: Kill Bacteria
Your restoration isn’t made from the same organic materials as your natural teeth, so you fortunately have no need to worry that they’ll develop decay. However, bacteria in your mouth can cling to its surfaces and become trapped against your connective tissues. From there, they can penetrate your gums, causing disease that can spread to your jawbone if it goes unaddressed.
You should thoroughly wash your dentures twice daily, including in the evening, to remove harmful germs, leftover food, and other debris that can cause oral issues. Then, placing them in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution can eradicate up to 99% of unhealthy microbes while you snooze.
Consideration #2: Rest Your Gums
Your new teeth are situated in an acrylic, gum-colored base that’s customized to fit like a glove. This allows it to form a tight suction against the connective tissues over the bony ridges in your mouth to stay put all day. This can reduce blood circulation to your mouth, so your body can’t deliver essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells to your teeth and gums.
This increases the risk of developing periodontal problems, such as infections or canker sores, that make it uncomfortable to wear your dentures. Taking them out of your mouth for the night gives your connective tissues a well-deserved rest, allowing them to recover.
Consideration #3: Retain Their Shape
Some patients take their teeth out at night, but leave them on the countertop to dry rather than soak them. You might think some “fresh air” will reduce any bacterial growth or unpleasant smells that might have built up, but that’s not the case.
Germs thrive in arid conditions, which will only contribute to additional residue. Not only that, but if the acrylic base becomes too dry, it can crack. This can cause your dentures to fit incorrectly and might even lacerate the tender tissues inside your mouth. Soaking your dentures retains their shape and keeps them moist to keep bacteria at bay.
If you have other questions about how to maintain your dentures properly, your dentist can provide answers based on your unique circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Racha Kadamani has 18 years of experience helping families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental degree at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California and is a member of several professional institutions, including the American Dental Association. She takes the time to get to know your individual concerns, needs, and goals, and customizes treatment plans to meet them. Then, she combines a caring approach with advanced technology to provide comfortable, accurate results. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (210) 782-6842.
