Are you wondering if it is acceptable to wear your dentures when you sleep? After receiving their denture set, people who wear dentures in NW Calgary ask themselves this question in the first few nights. This is essentially about what it means for you and the best denture care practices you should implement to be as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Should you take your dentures out every night? Some people feel more comfortable sleeping with them in, but is that the best decision for your health? This article will explore what professionals recommend, associated risks, and how proper care can help you improve comfort and oral hygiene.
Should You Sleep With Dentures?
Sleeping with dentures may feel harmless, but it can create oral health complications.
Wearing dentures all the time can:
- Cause gum irritation and sores above pressure points
- Increase the chance of infection, like denture stomatitis
- Cause bone or gum shrinkage, which could affect the fit over time
Contact us about your denture routine to help maintain your mouth health and fit your dentures comfortably.
What Are the Tips for Comfortable Denture Use
- Regularly visit your dentist for adjustments
- Keep a consistent cleaning routine
- Avoid wearing old or ill-fitting dentures at night
- Monitor for soreness, redness, or irritation in the gums
Why Dentures Should Be Removed at Night?
Taking your dentures out at night allows your gums to rest and reduces risks or complications. Some benefits to removing your dentures at night include:
- Reduce the risk of oral infections
- Reduce the incidence of gum inflammation and/or soreness
- Help keep the bone and gums structured for long-term denture fit and stability
While wearing dentures may be convenient at times (such as while sleeping for a few hours), the best investment for your long-term oral health is to remove your dentures at night and clean them.
How to Care for Dentures Overnight
Here’s how to keep your dentures fresh and comfortable:
- Rinse them thoroughly to remove any leftover food bits.
- To make sure your denture gets a better cleaning, you should soak them in denture cleaner overnight.
- Brace the gums, tongue, and the roof of the mouth before bed.
- Store the dentures in a clean, dry container.
This routine will help you keep up with your oral health and help keep your dentures clean.
Can You Sleep With Dentures Occasionally?
Some patients may require wearing their prosthesis overnight for a period of time (for instance because of their adjustment period or for various health concerns). While if this is the case, ensure you are wearing your prosthesis only at night as directed by your NW Calgary dentist. Regular appointments will always be an important factor in ensuring your oral health and preventing complications.
Want to Keep Your Mouth Healthy While Wearing Dentures?
At Sage Hill Dental, we specialize in individual care and customized knowledge for denture patients. We have an appointment available today so that you can learn what you can for your comfort, your dentures, and your smile health.
FAQs
Q1. Can sleeping with dentures cause bad breath?
Yes, bacteria can form overnight, leading to bad breath and oral infections.
Q2. Are there exceptions for wearing dentures while sleeping?
Patients with serious bite issues or medical reasons may be advised to wear them overnight, but that’s uncommon.
Q3. How long to soak my dentures?
Most dentures need to soak for about 6–8 hours in a cleaning solution so they are fully cleaned and maintain their shape.
Q4. Are you wearing dentures at night, damaging my jawbone?
Wearing dentures for a long time may contribute to slow bone loss, which will affect the fit and comfort of the dentures over time.
Q5. What’s the best way to get used to a nightly routine of taking my dentures out?
Establish a nightly routine of taking out the dentures, putting them in a soaking solution and cleaning the gums before going to bed. This will allow the mouth to adjust and allow the discomfort to dissipate.
