Why You Should Not Sleep in Your Dentures

Living with dentures can make life easier. They are aesthetically pleasing, improve your chewing efficiency and can help you speak like normal once more. A well-fitting denture may make your life convenient. However, there are a few things to remember about living with the replacement teeth.

For starters, you should try to avoid sleeping in them when possible. In fact, sleeping with dentures may result in serious oral health conditions down the road. No matter what type of dentures you have, the dentures should be removed at night. That will give your gums time to rest.

Health implications linked to wearing dentures during sleep

The thought of removing the dentures each night may seem inconvenient to many people. However, denture wearers should try hard to remove them before turning in for the evening. When dentures are not cared for, the gums beneath them can become overrun with fungi and oral bacteria. The result can be irritation, disease and bad oral odor.

The bad bacteria can be removed with regular brushing. However, when dentures are not removed and cleaned on a regular basis, plaque will build on the tongue and dentures. Over time, uncomfortable conditions like thrush and gum inflammation may occur. Regularly cleaning dentures will help to reduce the risk of serious health issues later down the road.

In addition, there are other oral concerns to be mindful of when denture wearers fail to remove dentures at night. For example, when wearers do not allow their gums to rest, they may notice a decreased salivary flow. Left unattended, this condition, known as denture stomatitis, may cause gums to become inflamed or infected with bacteria or yeast. This condition, and others like it, can be prevented by removing dentures at night.

The ideal oral hygiene routine for dentures

For denture wearers to continue reaping the benefits of dentures, care should be taken. This means dentures should always be removed at night. The wearer should brush the dentures every night, using gentle soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Wearers should keep in mind that regular toothpaste is abrasive and harmful for dentures. Therefore, it should always be avoided.

Once  the dentures are cleaned, wearers should store their dentures in room temperature water or a special soaking solution. Next, wearers should brush their gums and tongue thoroughly to remove any residual plaque. In the morning, dentures should also be rinsed before putting them back in.

Take your dentures out at night for good oral health

If you have full or partial dentures, there are certain care and cleaning steps that should always be followed to help preserve the denture. When dentures are not properly cared for, they may wear down faster or become damaged. If you are uncertain how to clean or store your dentures at night, contact a general dentist. Your dentist will be able to show you how to properly take care of your dentures.

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

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