Can you sleep in your dentures? Should you only clean your dentures after the day is done? If you are new to dentures, take a look at the top nighttime wear, use, and care questions patients have.
Should You Wear Your Dentures to Bed?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include whether your dentures are brand-new or not, your dentist's instructions, your ability to care for the dental devices, your mouth's health, and your comfort level.
In general, many dental patients will need to wear the devices for the first full 24 hours (or possibly longer). This type of initial overnight use gives the gums time to heal after a teeth extraction procedure. Dentures can also take the place of a bandage and help to stop excess bleeding in the area.
Your dentist will give you instructions for post-placement care. If these include leaving your dentures in for 24 to 48 hours, you should sleep with the device in your mouth.
Should You Continue Wearing Your Dentures to Bed?
What happens after the first 24 to 48 hours? Should you continue to keep your dentures in your mouth overnight? Even though the dentist may want you to wear this new device overnight initially, they may advise you to remove your dentures later.
There is no universal answer to the to-wear-or-not-to-wear question. Some dental patients prefer to wear dentures overnight, while others feel more comfortable removing them. But this does not mean 24-hour denture use will not cause potential problems. Constant use puts pressure on the gums and underlying bones. This can result in excess bone loss and reduce the device's tight fit.
Along with the possibility of bone loss, overnight denture use comes with hygiene issues. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can thrive in the oral environment. Debris-covered dentures feed these microorganisms, giving the bacteria or fungi a way to grow and multiply. This can cause an oral infection or lead to gum and bone decay.
According to guidelines from the American College of Prosthodontics, you need to remove bacterial biofilm from both the dentures and the mouth. Not only will this help you to maintain general oral hygiene, but it can also reduce the risk of denture stomatitis. Yeast, such as candida, can cause this infection (commonly known as oral thrush).
Failure to keep the mouth clean, diagnose stomatitis quickly, or treat stomatitis can result in oral soreness or reduce the fit of your dentures.
If you do choose to wear your dentures overnight, you will need to find a daylight time to remove the device and clean it. You also need to clean the inside of your mouth regularly. A daytime break from denture wear can alleviate some of the excess pressure and give your gums the rest they need. Discuss how long of a break your mouth needs with your dentist before you decide to wear your dentures to bed at night.
What Should You Do with Your Dentures Overnight?
What happens if you choose not to wear your dentures while you sleep? The overnight period is the perfect time to clean and maintain this dental device. Do not let your dentures dry out. Instead, use an overnight soak to keep them moist and clean.
Talk to your dentist about the best product to use with your specific type of denture device. Always rinse your dentures thoroughly after a soak. This removes any leftover chemicals or spots of the solution. Along with a soak and rinse, brush your dentures daily.
Do you need new dentures? Contact
Dr. Gregory B. Halls Denture Center for more information.
