Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth, improving function and aesthetics. They are fabricated from materials like acrylic resin and metal to rest on the gums and underlying jawbone. While they restore a smile and support facial structure, dental professionals clearly advise against continuous wear. Wearing them constantly should be avoided for the health of the mouth and the longevity of the denture itself.
The Necessity of Denture Removal
Dentures are made to be removed and should not be considered a permanent fixture. They must be taken out daily to provide the underlying oral tissues with a necessary rest period. This is essential because the denture base covers the gums, restricting natural cleansing and healing processes.
An exception occurs immediately after teeth extractions and initial denture placement. Dentists advise wearing “immediate dentures” for the first 24 to 72 hours, removing them only for rinsing, as they act like a bandage to control bleeding and swelling. Once the initial healing phase is complete, daily removal becomes standard practice. Consistent removal allows the gum tissues to recover from the pressure exerted by the prosthetic device.
Health Risks of Continuous Wear
Wearing dentures continuously creates a warm, moist environment beneath the prosthetic ideal for microbial growth. This constant coverage significantly increases the risk of developing denture stomatitis, a common fungal infection. This condition, often caused by the yeast Candida albicans, presents as redness, inflammation, and sometimes small red bumps on the palate.
Chronic irritation from constant pressure can lead to soreness, inflammation, and ulcers. Continuous denture wear also accelerates alveolar bone resorption. The constant force prevents the jawbone tissue from receiving necessary natural stimulation, causing the bone to shrink faster.
Accelerated bone loss changes the contours of the jaw, causing the denture to fit poorly and leading to instability and irritation. Furthermore, the continuous presence of the denture promotes the buildup of plaque and calculus, contributing to halitosis (bad breath). Wearing dentures while sleeping may also increase the risk of respiratory infections like aspiration pneumonia due to inhaling bacteria from the prosthetic surface.
Establishing a Proper Oral Rest Schedule
The primary reason for denture removal is to give the supporting tissues a sufficient rest period. Dental professionals recommend removing dentures for a minimum of six to eight hours every 24-hour cycle, ideally during sleep. This daily break allows the gums to rebound from the continuous pressure and compression experienced during the day.
Tissue recovery is facilitated by restoring normal blood circulation to the covered areas. Increased blood flow helps flush out waste products and deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for maintaining healthy mucosa.
The removal period also allows natural saliva to cleanse the entire oral cavity, including areas usually covered by the denture. Saliva contains antimicrobial components that help keep bacterial and fungal populations in check. Exposing the tissues to air and saliva significantly reduces the likelihood of developing infections and chronic tissue changes.
Daily Cleaning and Storage Protocols
The period when dentures are removed should be utilized for rigorous cleaning and proper storage. After every meal, dentures should be rinsed under running water to dislodge food debris. At least once a day, they must be thoroughly brushed using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaning paste or mild soap.
Regular toothpaste should be avoided because abrasive components can scratch the acrylic surface. These scratches create microscopic grooves where bacteria can accumulate.
Daily brushing removes plaque biofilm, but soaking is also required to sanitize the prosthetic fully. Dentures should be placed in clean water or a specialized soaking solution overnight to eliminate residual microbes.
Proper storage in a liquid environment is important to prevent the denture material from drying out. Acrylic can warp if allowed to dry, resulting in a poor and uncomfortable fit. Before placing cleaned dentures back into the mouth, they must be rinsed thoroughly with water, especially if a chemical soaking solution was used, to prevent oral irritation.