Hey there, sleepyheads! We know you want to dive right into your bed without further ado after your long, tiring day. But snoozing with any device on is a no-no since you can take them off easily, so why risk your health? Let’s find out why can you not sleep with your dentures on.
Is it Okay To Sleep Leaving Dentures On?
In short, it’s not ideal to sleep with your dentures on.
Sure, it is better not to have them taken off at all, but your mouth needs a break too! Just like other organs, such as your eyes and ears, need a break from glasses and hearing aids.
Why Is It Not a Good Idea to Sleep With Dentures on at Night?
Here are a few reasons to explain why sleeping with your dentures on at night can do more bad than good:
Risk of Bacterial Infections
Your oral flora is a breeding ground for bacteria(both good and bad), so wearing dentures trap food particles and bacteria in your gums and teeth. Sleeping with your dentures on increases the risk of developing infections or, worse, gum disease.
Bone Loss
Bone loss in your jaw can happen if you keep your dentures in all day and night. The reason is that your jaw is a living tissue that needs stimulation from your natural teeth to thrive and keep the bone healthy and strong.
Unfortunately, dentures do not have the effect in terms of pressure and stimulation that your natural teeth would; therefore, it is important to give your jaw a break by removing your dentures at night.
Denture Sores
Wearing dentures for extended periods can cause painful sores to develop and consequent irritation. They occur due to the pressure from the dentures on the gums, ultimately damaging the fragile mouth tissues. Removing your dentures at night gives your mouth a chance to heal properly.
Halitosis – Bad Breath
Wearing dentures, especially while sleeping, is a major cause of bad breath. This is due to the entrapment of food particles and bacteria that proliferate to cause a foul odor. Removing your dentures at night and giving them a good clean prevents bad breath.
Denture Care At Bedtime
Now you know why it is not a good idea to sleep with your dentures on. Enlisting below are the best ways to keep your dentures clean.
- Remove them and rinse thoroughly with water to flush out food particles or debris.
- Brush your dentures using a soft-bristle brush and special denture cleaner. Make sure to use only specialized denture cleaners since some can be too abrasive and cause damage to them.
- Rinse your dentures again with water to remove any remaining cleaner.
- Soak them in a denture-soaking solution overnight for a clean and fresh effect in the morning.
- Rinse them again in the morning to remove solution remnants before putting them back in your mouth.
Final Note
Get in touch with the dental care experts from Smile Time Dental to learn more about dentures and aftercare for their longevity. We are located at 10185 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77043; walk-in customers are welcome.