What will happen if you sleep with dentures?

You finally have your brand-new detachable dentures, even though things have been a little messy! Wearing dentures the first night is entirely acceptable and even encouraged by dentists because they function as a bandage and promote the healing of your gums. But is wearing dentures overnight consistently a smart idea, or is it something you should avoid doing? The quick answer is that it is more harmful than beneficial to wear dentures overnight. Continue reading to learn why!

What will happen if you sleep with dentures?

It’s common knowledge that dentists advise their patients to take out their complete removable dentures before going to bed. Keeping dentures in your mouth while sleeping can lead to negative consequences like:

• Tissue and bone problems– The clenching damages the jaw bones in patients who sleep with their removable dentures in place. In fact, the pressure that dental prostheses apply accelerates the resorption of bone. These changes in the jaw can gradually alter the facial appearance and weaken the stability of the dentures. Unfortunately, this decrease in jaw bone cannot be reversed.

• Denture damage – Wearing your dentures constantly can also hasten the deterioration of false teeth. In fact, the nighttime pressure on the jaws frequently results in heightened friction that damages the teeth more quickly. Furthermore, unintentionally clenching your teeth tightly increases the risk of shattering your dental prosthesis.

• Poor oral hygiene– At night, we swallow less frequently. Under dental prosthetics, saliva infiltrates but is trapped there. Consequently, bacteria gather beneath the prostheses. There may also accumulate food debris. Thus, wearing detachable dental prostheses on a regular basis increases the risk of developing tartar on the prostheses and gum inflammation.

• Inflammation of the gums–  When you go to bed wearing dentures, it can affect the way your saliva flows, causing a problem known as denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis, also called oral thrush or thrush, happens when the area covered by dentures becomes irritated and puffy, resulting in gum inflammation and a yeast infection.

Overall, sleeping with dentures should be avoided to prevent potential health issues. Removing them every night allows your gums to rest, promotes oral hygiene, and ensures the cleanliness of the dentures, leading to a healthier mouth and better overall well-being.

Caring for your dentures overnight

To maintain good oral health and make your dentures last longer, it’s important to take them out every evening and give them a thorough cleaning. Here are the steps to care for your dentures during the night:

1) Prepare your bathroom. Fill the sink with warm water before removing your dentures for the night and cleaning them. Roll up a towel, then set it on the side of the sink. If you’re worried about dropping or breaking your dentures, especially if you have a tiled floor, you can also spread a towel on the floor.

2) Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Warm water will help loosen the seal of your denture adhesive cream, which will make removing your dentures easier.

3) Remove your dentures. Start by removing your bottom prosthesis, then remove the top prosthesis. It should be remembered that different types of dentures require the use of different techniques to be removed.

4) Rinse dentures under running water to remove food particles.

5) Clean your dentures using a special brush or a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use water, denture paste, or non-abrasive toothpaste for this purpose. Avoid using regular toothpaste that has abrasive substances.

6) Remove any leftover adhesive cream from your mouth. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently wipe your gums and palate with a clean washcloth. Afterward, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. You can also gently brush your gums using a toothbrush with extra soft bristles. If you have partial dentures, remember to brush your natural teeth as well.

7) Soak your dentures in denture cleaner or water overnight. You can also use a fast-acting cleanser and then soak your dentures in water. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use on the denture cleaner packaging. If you have partial dentures, use a cleanser designed for partial dentures.

8) In the morning, rinse your dentures thoroughly with water before placing them in your mouth.

Winding it up

In conclusion, no matter what type of dentures you use, sleeping in them is a bad idea and could end up causing various health issues.

To maintain a bacteria-free mouth, healthy gums, and intact, strong bones, consider removing your dentures every night before bed. The daily removal time recommended by denturists varies between 6 and 8 hours. This break allows your gums and mouth to rest and stay in good shape. Moreover, this time period gives you the opportunity to ensure the cleanliness of your dentures. You can clean them and soak them to eliminate stains and bacteria while you sleep.