Wearing dentures gives you the confidence to smile fully once again. One of the most common questions we get from denture wearers, especially those who got them recently, is whether they can sleep with dentures in. The simple answer? Dental professionals recommend against it, and there are many reasons why. We’ll explore them in this blog, so keep reading.
What Dental Professionals Say About Sleeping With Dentures
Dentists strongly advise against sleeping with dentures still in your mouth. Many dental professionals agree that everyone who wears dentures should remove them for at least 6 to 8 hours each day, and nighttime is the best window for this.
The main purpose is to give your gums and oral tissues a break. While you wear dentures, your gums and the underlying tissues remain covered and under continuous pressure from the denture base. Removing them at night gives these tissues time to recover.
The rest period at night is not merely a suggestion. It’s a way to keep your gums and tissues healthy with long-term denture wear.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sleep With Your Dentures
It isn’t an immediate concern if you accidentally sleep with your dentures in just one time. The problem is when it starts happening daily. Oral health issues that can develop if you wear your dentures all the time are:
Oral thrush (candidiasis)
This is possibly the most common issue denture wearers face. When the denture sits in your mouth for too long, the damp environment beneath the surface gives a perfect chance for Candida fungus to grow.
Patients see sore, red patches on their gums and palate. The longer you leave them untreated, the more uncomfortable it becomes to wear your dentures.
Bone loss
It may seem easier to sleep with your denture in. But when you do it consistently, the pressure on your jawbone speeds up bone loss. This is because your gums and tissues are not getting the rest period they need.
Choking risk
Your tongue and throat muscles relax when you sleep. This can be a risk for denture wearers, especially for back sleepers, because the denture may slip, blocking your airway.
Gum sores and ulcers
Removing dentures every night improves blood flow to your gums. Without this break, you’re more likely to have sore spots or ulcers on your gums.
Here’s How to Care for Your Dentures Overnight
Simply removing your dentures at night before sleep is not enough. You only have to add some steps to your care routine. Once you take the dentures out of your mouth, brush them very gently with a soft toothbrush.
You can use a non-abrasive denture cleaner for better cleaning. Then rinse your denture under running water.
Now soak it in a denture cleaning solution overnight. This is the most important step. It prevents your denture surface from drying out and warping.
The next morning, just remember to rinse your denture again and brush your mouth before inserting it.
Ending Note
You should be removing your dentures before sleeping at night to let your gums and oral tissues “breathe”. If you notice any issues with your dentures, consult our dental experts at Anh B. Dao, DDS & Associate today. Make your appointment by calling us at (281) 992-7000.