New dentures can improve your speech, boost your self-confidence, and help you maintain a balanced bite. You may be tempted to leave them in overnight to keep enjoying these benefits. It may also seem more convenient to wear your dentures while you sleep instead of removing them.
However, the truth is that it’s best not to wear your dentures 24 hours a day. Here are several reasons why taking your dentures out at night is recommended:
- Give your gums a break: Dentures place pressure on your gums and bone. That is particularly true of traditional full dentures because they fit snugly over the entire gum ridge. Removing your dentures at night gives your mouth a chance to rest.
- Protect your oral health: Bacteria can build-up if you regularly sleep in your dentures. It may result in bad breath, an infection, oral irritation, or other issues. Remove your dentures at night so that you can effectively brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
- Keep your dentures in great shape: People are usually surprised to learn that plaque can form on dentures. If you don’t remove your dentures every day, they may not look or feel as fresh as they could. Proper care can also extend the lifespan of your dentures.
Our dentists will tell you how long to wear your dentures and when you should remove them. You may be instructed to wear them all the time, including while you sleep, for the first few days. After that time, you should remove your dentures before going to bed.
Accidentally dozing off without removing your dentures isn’t the end of the word. It happens. But you shouldn’t let it become a habit because of the risks to your health and the longevity of your dentures.
Get Personalized Advice from Our Aurora Dentists
Our dentists are happy to discuss proper denture care with you. We can recommend the ideal schedule for wearing and cleaning your dentures.
Call Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center at 303-751-3321 to arrange your free consultation. We serve Aurora, Denver, Centennial, and the surrounding areas of Colorado.