The question of whether to sleep in false teeth, or dentures, is common for wearers. Dental professionals agree that routine overnight wear is discouraged for long-term oral health. Removing dentures at night allows the underlying soft tissues and bone to rest and recover from the pressure exerted throughout the day. This nightly break helps prevent a range of complications affecting the mouth and the prosthetic itself.
The Oral Health Consequences of Sleeping in Dentures
The primary concern with continuous denture wear is the increased risk of fungal and bacterial infections. During sleep, the body’s natural salivary flow significantly decreases, reducing the mouth’s ability to wash away microorganisms. This creates a warm, moist environment beneath the prosthetic base, which is an ideal breeding ground for pathogens like Candida albicans.
This microbial buildup frequently leads to denture stomatitis, a common fungal infection causing inflammation, redness, and discomfort on the palate and underlying gum tissue. The constant pressure from the denture on the jawbone accelerates bone resorption, especially while lying down. This progressive loss of jawbone density causes the bony ridge to shrink, altering the denture’s fit and requiring more frequent adjustments. Overnight denture wear has also been linked to a higher likelihood of pneumonia due to the aspiration of accumulated bacteria and fungi.
Maintaining the Integrity and Fit of the Prosthetic
Wearing dentures continuously compromises the longevity and integrity of the prosthetic device itself. Most dentures are made from acrylic resin, a material that requires moisture to maintain its shape and resilience. Allowing the denture to dry out causes the material to become brittle, leading to warping or distortion and resulting in a poor fit.
The constant friction and pressure from chewing and speaking cause inevitable wear and tear. Wearing the prosthetic 24 hours a day accelerates the erosion of the artificial teeth, especially those made from softer acrylic, reducing the device’s lifespan. Nightly removal and proper storage help preserve the original fit and function, delaying the need for costly replacements or relines.
Recommended Overnight Care and Storage
The recommended nightly routine begins with a thorough cleaning immediately upon removal to eliminate food debris, plaque, and microorganisms. This cleaning should involve brushing the denture gently with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste is often too harsh and can cause microscopic scratches on the acrylic surface, so it should be avoided. After brushing, the prosthetic must be rinsed well to remove all traces of the cleanser.
The most important step for overnight care is storage in a hydrated environment, as acrylic resin must remain moist to prevent warping. Dentures should be fully submerged in a clean container filled with either lukewarm water or a specialized denture-soaking solution. Soaking solutions, often in tablet form, are designed to reduce bacteria and fungi, offering extra sanitization beyond simple brushing. Avoid using hot water for soaking, as excessive heat can cause the acrylic material to permanently deform.
The only common exception to nightly removal is for wearers of immediate dentures, which are placed immediately after tooth extraction. In these cases, a dentist may instruct the patient to wear the denture continuously for the first few days to help control swelling and act as a protective bandage. Once the initial healing phase is complete, however, the standard practice of nightly removal and soaking must be adopted for long-term oral health.