Should i take my dentures out at night

Denturists advocate the removal of standard dentures during the night. Their recommendations are designed to protect your oral health. They also see to extend the life of your removable dentures in healthy conditions.

The daily withdrawal time recommended by denturologists varies between 6 and 8 hours. The gums and mouth can rest and stay healthy. Also, this period allows you to ensure the hygiene of your dentures. It is possible to clean and soak them to remove stains and bacteria during your sleep period.

However, under certain circumstances, there may be possible adjustments. Thus, edentulous patients who do not like to remove all of their dentures could keep their removable dental prosthesis from above. However, they would have to remove the bottom one to avoid many problems related, in particular, to hygiene.

It is a bit different for people who wear removable dentures on implants. Indeed, keeping or removing dentures on implants at night is then a matter of choice. Thanks to the stimulation of the implants, there is no pressure on the gums.

The Consequences of Keeping a Removable Denture at Night

Our teeth tighten during sleep, exerting pressure on the gums and dentures. For people who have their natural teeth or those who wear dentures on dental implants, this pressure has no adverse effects. 

Problems with tissues and bones

In people who keep their dentures removable for sleep, the squeeze has a detrimental effect on the bones of the jaw. Indeed, the pressure exerted by the dental prostheses causes early resorption of the bone. These changes to the jaw can, in the long run, change the appearance of the face and of course, weaken the stability of the prostheses. This decrease in the jaw bone is unfortunately irreversible.

Wearing dentures at all times may also cause premature wear of the artificial teeth of the denture. Indeed, the pressure of the jaws exerted during the night often creates exaggerated friction, which wears the teeth more quickly. Also, it increases the possibility of breaking the dental prosthesis by tightly gripping the teeth without realizing it.

Also, in these conditions, dental prostheses that are not removed interfere with the good flow of blood in the gums. Tissues can no longer be properly irrigated, reducing their ability to regenerate healthily. Some diseases can sometimes develop there.

Poor oral hygiene

During the night, we swallow less often. Saliva that seeps under the dentures remains trapped. The bacteria accumulate under the prostheses. Food debris can also collect there. 

The constant wearing of the removable dental prosthesis can thus cause inflammation of the gums and tartar on the prostheses. The tartar is then impossible to remove, become hard and apparent. In such a case, consultation with a denturologist is necessary to remove this tartar. 

Denturists recommend that you remove your removable denture at night, as this allows your gums to stay healthy. Also, you benefit from better oral hygiene, and your prostheses remain in better condition. 

Contact AJS Dental

If you have any questions about dentures or would like to schedule a consultation to see if they are right for you, please contact Dr. Alan Schwartz, our dentist in Kew Gardens Hills, NY and Oceanside, NY today!

It’s certainly understandable that you may want to leave your dentures in at night. Unfortunately, however, it can lead to the following 4 issues:

• Bone loss – Wearing dentures during the day protects your jawbone, while wearing them at night actually accelerates the natural process of bone loss. This means you’re likely to have loose, ill-fitting dentures and changes in your facial appearance faster than you would otherwise.
• Prevent bacterial growth – Since bacteria accumulate on your dentures, leaving them in causes bad breath and gum disease. Also, taking your dentures out each night allows your soft tissues to breathe and gives them a “bacteria-free break,” which will keep them significantly healthier.
• Prolong the life of your dentures – Your mouth is naturally quite a bit drier at night. By soaking your dentures in liquid, you’ll prevent cracking and keep them in better shape overall.
• Reduce colds and other illnesses – By exposing your mouth and throat to bacteria all night, you increase your risk of colds, infections, and denture stomatitis, a fungal infection that leads to red, inflamed gums.

Caring For Your Dentures

Here are some tips to maintain your dentures in Orlando and help you get the most out of them:

• Dentures get slippery and can be easily dropped (and broken) while you’re cleaning them. To prevent this, handle them over a soft hand towel or basin of water, just in case.
• A good rule of thumb is to keep your dentures moist at all times to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
• Soaking your dentures is important, but be sure to brush them each day as well to keep them clean.
• Be consistent with dental visits so that any necessary adjustments or repairs can be made (e.g. small chips, cracks, or bends) before they become more serious.

Dentures are a fantastic way to restore your smile. By taking them out each night and taking steps to maintain them, you’ll enjoy all the benefits they provide for many years.

About the Author

Dr. John E. Russo is an award-winning dentist and a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. With decades of experience and an eye for detail, he creates high-quality dentures that look and feel great and always provides tips for maintaining them over the long-term. If you have any other questions about dentures in Orlando, he can be reached via his website.

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