Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that restore the ability to chew and speak while supporting facial aesthetics. These custom-made appliances rest on the gums and underlying bone structure. A frequent question for both new and long-time wearers is whether these devices should remain in the mouth during sleep. This information provides a clear, medically supported answer, detailing professional guidance, potential health risks, and necessary care routines.
Professional Guidance on Nighttime Removal
Dental professionals strongly recommend that all individuals who wear removable dentures take them out before going to sleep. This guidance is rooted in the fundamental physiology of the oral tissues supporting the appliance. The practice allows the underlying gum tissues and the palate to recover from the continuous mechanical pressure exerted by the denture base throughout the day.
The constant force from a denture can impede the natural flow of blood and nutrients to the soft tissues. Removing the appliance overnight provides a necessary rest period, which is crucial for maintaining the health and resilience of the gums. This nightly break encourages normal circulation, allowing compressed tissues to repair themselves.
Continuous wear also traps moisture and heat against the oral mucosa, creating an environment conducive to microbial growth. An uninterrupted daily cycle of wear and removal helps disrupt this process. Giving the tissues an eight-hour rest promotes a healthier internal environment that is resistant to irritation and infection.
Health Consequences of Continuous Wear
Ignoring the recommendation for nightly removal increases the risk of developing several pathological conditions. One common issue is denture stomatitis, a chronic inflammatory reaction characterized by redness and swelling beneath the denture. This condition is primarily caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which colonizes the porous surface of the denture material.
The film of microorganisms that develops on a continuously worn denture becomes a reservoir for pathogens, and trapped moisture encourages their proliferation. Individuals who sleep with their dentures are more likely to have higher levels of Candida, leading to persistent irritation. This fungal infection can be difficult to eliminate if continuous wear is not stopped.
The constant pressure exerted by the denture on the jawbone also leads to accelerated alveolar bone resorption. This is the progressive shrinkage and loss of the bony ridge that once held the natural teeth. Unlike natural teeth, which transmit chewing forces to stimulate the bone, dentures apply pressure directly to the surface of the bone, causing it to deteriorate at a faster rate.
Over time, this bone loss changes the contours of the jaw, leading to a looser fit of the denture. A poorly fitting denture exacerbates tissue trauma and increases the need for frequent relines or replacement appliances. This physical change in the jaw structure is an irreversible consequence of wearing the appliance 24 hours a day.
Beyond the mouth, wearing dentures during sleep has been linked to a higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Studies have shown that wearing dentures overnight can double the incidence of pneumonia events. The bacterial and fungal biofilm on the denture surface can be inhaled, or aspirated, into the lungs during sleep.
The presence of this high microbial load, combined with a decline in immune or swallowing function, introduces infection-causing organisms into the respiratory tract. Removing the appliance at night removes a significant reservoir of harmful bacteria that could otherwise lead to a serious lower respiratory infection.
Essential Nighttime Denture Care
Once dentures are removed for the night, a specific care routine is necessary to ensure they remain clean and the material is preserved. The first step involves thoroughly cleaning the appliance using a soft-bristled brush, often specifically designed for dentures. This mechanical action dislodges and removes food debris, plaque, and the microbial biofilm accumulated throughout the day.
It is important to use a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild soap instead of regular toothpaste. Abrasive particles in standard toothpaste can scratch the denture material, creating rough surfaces where bacteria and yeast can easily attach and multiply, undermining the cleaning effort. All surfaces of the denture, including the part that fits against the gums, must be meticulously brushed.
After mechanical cleaning, the dentures should be fully submerged in a soaking solution overnight. Soaking provides a chemical cleaning action that helps break down any remaining biofilm and disinfects the appliance. This solution can be plain water or a specialized commercial denture-cleansing tablet dissolved in water.
The appliance must be kept moist at all times when not in the mouth to prevent the material, typically acrylic resin, from drying out. If the acrylic is allowed to dry, it can become brittle and warp, leading to a compromised fit and potential breakage. For dentures with metal components, use non-corrosive solutions, as bleach or chlorine-containing cleansers can tarnish the metal.