Dentures replace missing teeth and restore chewing, speech, and appearance. However, they require daily cleaning and proper overnight removal to keep your mouth healthy. Bacteria, plaque and fungi can build up on dentures just like natural teeth, increasing the risk of infection if not cleaned correctly.
Sleeping with dentures may seem convenient, but dental literature consistently recommends removing them overnight.
1. Increased risk of infections (denture stomatitis)
Wearing dentures continuously creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria and fungi can grow. Removal of dentures at nigh reduces microbial build up and helps prevent oral thrush and soft tissue infections.
2. Gum Irritation and Bone Loss
Wearing dentures 24 hours a day puts constant pressure on the gums and jawbone. Overtime this can cause sore or inflamed gums, reduced blood flow to tissues, accelerated bone resorption and ill-fitting dentures.
3. More Plaque, Bad Breath
Dentures worn overnight collect plaque and food debris leading to bad breath and oral infections due to increased bacterial growth.
1. Remove dentures before bed
2. Rinse to remove loose food debris
3. Brush dentures with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser (such as hand soap)
4. Soak dentures overnight in water with a denture cleaning tablet
5. Rinse thoroughly before wearing in the morning
1. Remove dentures before bed
2. Rinse to remove loose food debris
3. Brush dentures with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser (such as hand soap)
4. Soak dentures overnight in water with a denture cleaning tablet
5. Rinse thoroughly before wearing in the morning
