Sleeping with Temporary Dentures?
Dentures are a common solution for the replacement of missing teeth. When patients first receive their dentures, dentists often recommend keeping them in place for the initial night. After the first night, however, patients should not wear their dentures overnight. Below is a summary of why patients should not wear their dentures during sleep and how to care for dentures when they are not being worn.
Overnight Denture Care
Good oral hygiene and proper care is the best way to maintain good oral health and preserve your dentures. Below are steps to properly clean and care for the dentures after they are removed:
- Storage: ensure you have a clean, safe space to store the dentures overnight.
- Warm water rinse: Rinse the mouth with warm water which makes it easier to remove the dentures.
- Removal: Carefully remove the dentures and rinse them with clean water to remove any debris.
- Clean: Use a soft bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the dentures. Do not use regular toothpaste with abrasives as it can damage the dentures.
- Rinse the mouth: Use warm water or a soft toothbrush to rinse out the mouth and clean the gums. Patients with partial dentures should also brush the remaining natural teeth. A mouthwash can also be used to remove bacteria and plaque.
- Soak dentures: Use clean water or a denture cleaning to soak the dentures during the night. Patients can also use a special cleanser and then store the denture in water
- Rinse: Be sure to thoroughly rinse the dentures with water in the morning before replacing them back in the mouth.
Nightly Removal of Dentures
Patients should remove their dentures each night. Below are some of the advantages associated with nightly removal of dentures:
- Bone loss prevention - Dentures can put pressure on the gums and underlying bone, which has the potential to cause bone resorption. Removal helps prevent the loss of bone.
- Proper fit - When patients experience gum resorption or bone loss, it can cause the dentures to have a poor fit and become loose. When the dentures do not fit properly, they can slip and require dietary restrictions.
- Growth of bacteria - It is common for bacteria to grow and accumulate where the gums and dentures meet. Over time, this can cause gum disease and other issues. Removing the dentures helps prevent the growth of bacteria and ensures the gums are clean.
- Avoid inflamed gums - Patients who wear their dentures at night can result in a reduced production of saliva. This can cause a condition called denture stomatitis or thrush where the gums become red, swollen, and inflamed.
Patients should not wear their dentures while they sleep, as it can result in damage and can cause serious oral health issues. Nightly removal of the dentures helps ensure bacteria is removed, maintains healthy gums, and helps preserve the dentures.
If you are considering dentures or have questions regarding how to care for your dentures, contact the office today. The team can help determine if you are a good candidate for dentures and provide education on how to properly care for your equipment.