When you first receive dentures, you may feel tempted to wear them all day and night; after all, they help you eat, talk, and smile with confidence. But while dentures are designed to be durable and comfortable, wearing them around the clock isn’t recommended for your oral health. Your gums and jaw need time to rest, and continuous wear can lead to a variety of issues that affect both the fit of your dentures and the health of your mouth. Here’s what you need to know about why taking your dentures out at night is important.
Your Gums Need Time to Breathe
Your gums are used to being exposed to air, and dentures naturally place pressure on the soft tissues below them. Wearing dentures 24/7 can trap saliva and bacteria between the denture and your gums, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even painful sores. Removing your dentures at night gives the soft tissues time to recover from the pressure of daily wear.
Sleeping in Dentures Increases Your Risk of Infection
One of the biggest concerns with wearing dentures overnight is the increased risk of fungal infections such as denture stomatitis. This condition is caused by yeast overgrowth and can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort in the tissues beneath your dentures. Letting your dentures soak overnight not only helps disinfect them but also reduces moisture and bacteria buildup.
Overnight Wear Can Lead to Bone Loss
Dentures rest on your gum ridge, and constant pressure can accelerate bone resorption, the natural process where the jawbone shrinks over time. Wearing dentures 24/7 doesn’t allow the bone and gum tissues to rest, potentially leading to a faster decline in the ridge structure. This can cause your dentures to loosen more quickly, requiring more frequent adjustments or relines.
Better Oral Hygiene Requires Breaks
Removing your dentures gives you the opportunity to clean them thoroughly and brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Good oral hygiene is crucial for preventing bad breath, sores, and bacterial buildup. Overnight soaking also helps keep dentures in their best shape and prolongs their lifespan.
So, Should You Ever Wear Dentures All Day and Night?
In most cases, the answer is no. Dentists typically recommend taking dentures out for at least 6 to 8 hours each day, ideally while you sleep. This routine protects your oral tissues, minimizes infection risks, and helps your dentures maintain their fit.
Giving your mouth a nightly break is one of the easiest ways to keep your dentures comfortable, clean, and long-lasting. Your smile and oral health will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Tarangini Suggala has more than a decade of experience practicing dentistry. She graduated with honors from The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has remained on the cutting edge of developments in the dental field through continuing education courses. As a result, she has experience in cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. Plus, Dr. Suggala is an Invisalign certified provider. If you’re in the market for dentures, schedule an appointment with us online or call (972) 446-1111.