Can you Sleep with Partial Dentures at Night? - us.instasmile.com
It's not uncommon for people to wonder whether or not they should be wearing their dentures overnight. After all, if they're not in use, why put them through the effort of taking them out and cleaning them? However, the answer is actually quite simple: dentures need to be taken out at night in order to give your gums a chance to rest.
When you wear dentures all the time, they can rub against your gums and cause irritation. This can lead to soreness, inflammation, and even infection. In addition, leaving your dentures in overnight gives plaque and bacteria a chance to build up, which can also lead to gum disease. So, while it may seem like a hassle, taking your dentures out at night is actually best for your oral health.
Benefits of Not Sleeping With Your Dentures
There are numerous benefits to your health when you take out your dentures at night:
Prevents bone loss. Dentures put pressure on your gums and the bone underneath, which can cause loss of density in the bones.
Ensures a tighter fit. When you lose bone and your gums start to recede, your dentures will usually become loose. This makes it more likely for them to slip or fall out and can also limit the types of food you can eat.
Stops bacteria growth. The mucous membrane where your dentures and gums meet is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, morning breath being only one of the symptoms. Wear your dentures during sleep and you're depriving your gums of a chance to rest free from bacteria.
Prevents gum inflammation. Wearing dentures to bed can prevent saliva from properly flowing, which encourages the growth of thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection that causes redness and swelling beneath your dentures, as well as inflamed gums.
How to Care of Dentures Overnight
If you're not careful, dentures can become stained and smelly overnight. Here are a few tips to help you keep your dentures clean and fresh:
- Rinse your dentures after every meal. This will help remove any food particles that may be stuck in your teeth.
- Brush your dentures at least once a day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush so you don't damage the dentures.
- Soak your dentures in a denture cleanser overnight. This will help remove any plaque or tartar that may have built up on your teeth during the day.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your dentures clean and fresh overnight. So there's no need to worry about waking up with bad breath or yellow teeth.
When should you go to the dentist?
If you have dentures, you should see your dentist regularly (even if you have complete dentures) so they can check for any problems.
Dentures can last for several years if they are properly cared for.
Your dentures may no longer fit as well as they once did as your gums and jawbone shrink, causing them to become loose or worn.
If you have any of the following problems, you should go to the dentist as soon as possible:
- When you talk, your dentures click.
- Your dentures are slipping or don't appear to be properly fitting.
- Your dentures are making you uncomfortable.
- Your dentures appear to be worn out.
- Gum disease or tooth decay symptoms, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, are present.
Poorly fitting or worn dentures can cause a lot of pain, mouth sores, infections, and eating and speaking issues if they aren't replaced. At Instasmile we offer clip-on veneers which can be a great alternative to traditional dentures for those scared to visit the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between complete dentures and partial dentures that are removable?
Complete dentures are typically used by older adults who have lost all their teeth due to medical reasons or other factors such as certain medications.
Unless implants anchor them, complete dentures are removable. A partial denture, on the other hand, does not replace your entire set of teeth–only one or a few–and is usually removable.
I already have removable partial dentures, but they don't feel quite right. What options do I have?
If you believe your dentures are not fitting properly, you should return to your dentist for an adjustment.
Is there anything I should avoid eating or drinking while wearing my removable partial dentures?
No, you can eat and drink whatever you want before getting your removable partial dentures! You don't have to change what you normally eat.
However, if you eat sticky foods like gum, you may find it difficult to clean your dentures later, and hard foods can damage the denture over time. It's crucial to remember this as you adjust to wearing a partial denture.
Will my speech be affected by the dentures?
It might take a while to get used to speaking with a denture. Certain words may be difficult to say depending on which teeth your denture replaces. If you are self-conscious, you must practice.
I'd like to make minor changes and repairs to my dentures. Is it something I could manage on my own?
You should not attempt to repair your dentures on your own. You have the potential to permanently harm the appliance, rendering it useless. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and let their professional team assist you if you need minor adjustments.
Rather than attempting to repair an already damaged denture on your own, you should contact your dentist for assistance.
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