Is It Safe To Sleep In Your Dentures?

As a new wearer to dentures, you might receive a lot of bad advice that could lead to problems later. One piece of advice that is commonly given is to sleep in the dentures. The idea is that you will get used to the dentures faster. Even if this were true, there are several risks associated with doing so. Here is what you need to know about sleeping in dentures.  

What Are the Problems Associated With Sleeping in Dentures?

Denture stomatitis is a dental condition that results from continuously wearing dentures. The condition causes the palate of your mouth to be infected with yeast. Once this occurs, the corners of your mouth can also be infected. The infection can even spread to any natural teeth that you have remaining. 

Sleeping in your dentures also applies constant pressure to your gums and jaw. As a result, the soft tissue of your gums can start to deteriorate. You can even experience bone loss in the jaw, which can make it difficult to continue to wear dentures in the future. Your facial appearance can be impacted, too. Your face can appear to be sunken even though you are wearing your dentures.  

The risks of sleeping with dentures can extend beyond your oral health. According to one study, the risk of developing pneumonia doubled for seniors who slept in their dentures.  

What Can You Do?

The most obvious answer is to take the dentures out at bedtime. However, avoiding problems extends beyond just removing them. You also have to practice good hygiene with your dentures.  

When it is time to remove them for bed, clean the dentures with a toothbrush and mild soap to remove any food, plaque, or other debris attached to them. You can use warm water, but avoid hot water. The hot water can warp the teeth and frame of the dentures.  

The dentures also need to be soaked in a special denture cleansing solution. If you do not have the solution available, you can soak them in plain water some nights. Even though you have thoroughly cleaned the dentures, rinse them again before placing them in your mouth.  

If you have slept with your dentures up to this point, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist. He or she can ensure that the dentures still fit properly and make adjustments, if necessary. Your dentist can also provide you with other tips for keeping your dentures in good condition so that you get the full benefit from them.

For more information, contact local professionals like Michele A Bibeau DDS.