Dentures are the standard method of rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because of the many benefits they provide. Whether you’re missing some or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to enhance your mouth’s appearance and functionality.
If you’re new to dentures, you might have questions about how to maintain them correctly. For instance, many patients wonder whether it’s safe to sleep with them inserted. Although this might not cause serious damage after just one occurrence, it’s generally not recommended. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why!
Concern #1: Skipped Cleanings
Some patients who have lost all their adult teeth mistakenly assume that means there’s no need to worry about oral issues anymore. However, nothing could be further from the truth! Plaque and bacteria buildup on your dentures significantly increases the likelihood of developing gum disease, which can spread to your jawbone or enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body.
If you’ve fallen asleep with your restoration in your mouth, chances are you neglected your nightly dental hygiene routine. You can prevent this by removing it every morning and night to gently scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap (or special denture cleaner) that won’t abrade the material.
Concern #2: Reduced Circulation
Your teeth rely on a firm suction against the gums over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place all day. Unfortunately, this bond exerts sufficient pressure to reduce circulation to the tissues. This reduces your body’s ability to send essential nutrients or infection-fighting cells to your mouth, increasing your vulnerability to periodontal problems. Not only that, but you could develop blisters or sores that become infected.
Removing your restoration and leaving it to soak in water or denture solution overnight gives your gum tissues a well-earned rest and recovery.
Concern #3: Accelerated Bone Loss
Did you know that your jawbone starts thinning when permanent teeth go missing? Under normal circumstances, the roots stimulate new bone growth with each bite down to keep it active and healthy. When one or more are lost, you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding density within the first twelve months.
Keeping your dentures in place 24/7 puts constant pressure on your jawbone that can, unfortunately, accelerate this process of degeneration. Removing them at night helps preserve the foundation of your mouth.
Most dentists recommend removing and soaking your dentures at night to preserve their condition and safeguard your smile!
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, people of all ages benefit from a team eager to help families in Temple improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. They share decades of combined experience, and collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services, including providing lifelike dentures. They take the time to learn your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver customized treatments to address them. If you’re concerned about gum disease or the condition of your dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or call (254) 727-7144.