Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth, improving both appearance and function, such as eating and speaking. They can be full, replacing all teeth in an arch, or partial, replacing one or several teeth. While dentures offer many benefits, a common question arises regarding their nightly removal. It is recommended to remove dentures before sleep.
Reasons for Nightly Removal
Removing dentures each night promotes the health of the underlying oral tissues. The continuous pressure exerted by dentures can irritate the gums and other oral structures. Taking them out allows these tissues a necessary period of rest and recuperation, reducing the likelihood of soreness and inflammation. This break allows blood flow to return to the tissues, which reduces inflammation.
Saliva helps maintain oral hygiene by cleaning the mouth and removing microorganisms and food particles. When dentures are worn continuously, especially overnight, the flow of saliva can be impeded, leading to a buildup of bacteria on both the dentures and the tissues beneath. Allowing natural saliva flow helps prevent infections and irritation.
Risks of Continuous Wear
Not removing dentures overnight can lead to several oral health problems. One common issue is denture stomatitis, a fungal infection often caused by an overgrowth of Candida. This condition results in redness and inflammation of the tissues under the denture, making denture wear uncomfortable. Studies indicate that continuous denture wear increases the risk of developing denture stomatitis.
Continuous denture wear can also contribute to accelerated bone loss in the jaw. The pressure from dentures can cause the bone supporting them to resorb or shrink over time, which can lead to ill-fitting dentures and changes in facial appearance. Bacteria and food particles can accumulate under dentures, leading to bad breath. This bacterial buildup can also increase the risk of gum inflammation and more serious conditions like pneumonia, especially in older individuals. Studies have found that sleeping with dentures doubles the risk of pneumonia in elderly adults.
Caring for Dentures Overnight
Once dentures are removed for the night, proper cleaning and storage are important. Dentures should be thoroughly cleaned daily to remove food debris, plaque, and other deposits. This involves brushing them with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste is often too abrasive and can scratch the denture surface.
After cleaning, dentures should be stored in water or a denture-specific soaking solution. This prevents them from drying out, which can cause them to become brittle, warp, or lose their shape. Soaking solutions also help to disinfect dentures by killing bacteria and fungi that can cause odors and infections. Always rinse dentures thoroughly before reinserting them, especially if using a chemical soaking solution, to remove any residual chemicals.