Once you get dentures, you may be excited about the many benefits they’ll bring. You’ll get to flaunt a new smile you love while enjoying a wider range of foods as well. However, as comfortable as they may be, you shouldn’t wear this prosthetic 24/7. It’s important that you take them off during the night. Here are three things that can happen if you don’t soak them while you sleep.
1.) Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Dentures are made according to your smile, being molded to have a snug fit that keeps them stable. While this makes them reliable to eat with, it slightly reduces the circulation to your gums. The soft tissues in your mouth won’t be able to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy, while also increasing your risk of bacteria building up.
Both of these can lead to gum disease. This condition not only will make your dentures more uncomfortable to wear but also make you develop sores a bit more easily.
2.) Quicker Jawbone Loss
When you have missing teeth, you are at a higher risk of jawbone loss. That’s because your jaw isn’t getting the stimulation it used to get from tooth roots, so your body starts to reabsorb the bone. However, dentures can help slow down the progress, but wearing them all day and night can do the opposite.
By not giving your gums a chance to breathe, the friction from having them in can weaken your jaw over time. You might notice that they slip more often or sit oddly. This can be avoided by letting them soak to give your mouth a break while you sleep.
3.) Higher Chance of Denture Stomatitis
As was mentioned above, bacteria can start to accumulate underneath your dentures when you don’t take them out. Germs and yeast enjoy the dark and moist environment that dentures create, so they can eventually cause you to develop denture stomatitis.
This condition is a thrush that causes inflammation, a noticeable red color, and burning sensations on your gums. Your immune system weakens and has trouble fighting off infection if it becomes chronic as well.
The good news is that all of the above can be avoided by taking out your dentures while you rest. Letting them soak and cleaning them every day can remove harmful bacteria that can cause oral health issues. Follow this simple habit, and you can keep your smile stronger and problem-free in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong earned his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. He has since completed over 300 hours of continuing education every year, helping him give the Clarendon Hills community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Hong is here to rebuild your smile with dentures, making sure your prosthetic is custom-made for you and comfortable. If you want to learn how you can care for this restoration, schedule an appointment or call his office at (630) 789-1555.