Dentures restore the appearance of a complete smile and help maintain function for speaking and eating for individuals missing natural teeth. This convenience often leads to the impulse to wear the appliance continuously, only removing it for a quick rinse. However, keeping dentures in the mouth around the clock creates a persistently harmful environment for the underlying tissues. Continuous wear is detrimental to long-term oral health, setting the stage for negative outcomes that compromise comfort and the appliance’s lifespan.
Increased Risk of Oral Infections and Fungal Growth
Wearing a denture constantly creates a warm, moist, and dark environment ideal for the proliferation of microorganisms. The acrylic material used to make dentures is inherently porous, harboring colonies of bacteria and yeast within its microscopic crevices. This leads to the formation of a biofilm, a slimy layer of microbes difficult to remove without dedicated cleaning and soaking.
The most common consequence of this microbial buildup is denture stomatitis, a fungal infection primarily caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast naturally present in the mouth, but the continuous presence of the denture plate allows it to colonize the area in high numbers. This infection often manifests as bright redness and inflammation of the oral tissues directly beneath the denture, most frequently on the palate.
While denture stomatitis can sometimes be asymptomatic, it frequently causes symptoms like a burning sensation, soreness, or the presence of red or white patches. Continuous overnight wear is a significant risk factor, enabling the yeast to thrive without disruption. If left untreated, this chronic inflammation can contribute to further irritation.
Accelerated Jawbone Loss
The jawbone that once supported natural teeth undergoes a process of bone loss, or resorption, once the teeth are removed. Traditional dentures sit directly on the gums and do not provide the necessary stimulation that natural tooth roots once did. This lack of stimulation means the body gradually reabsorbs the bone, considering it unnecessary.
Constant denture use accelerates this natural process of resorption because the bone is subjected to unrelieved pressure. The pressure from the appliance, especially during chewing, restricts blood flow to the underlying tissue and bone. This reduced circulation inhibits the bone’s ability to repair and maintain itself. Over time, this constant micro-trauma causes the bone to diminish more rapidly.
The lower jaw is particularly susceptible to this effect, often experiencing bone loss up to four times faster than the upper jaw. As the jawbone shrinks and changes shape, the denture that once fit perfectly begins to loosen and shift. This loss of fit creates a cycle where the ill-fitting denture causes more uneven pressure and friction, further accelerating bone loss and requiring frequent adjustments or replacements.
Chronic Gum Irritation and Pressure Sores
The soft tissues of the mouth are not designed to withstand constant, unrelieved pressure from a hard acrylic surface. When dentures are worn 24 hours a day, the gums never get a chance to recover from the mechanical trauma of the appliance. This continuous pressure compresses the soft tissues and disrupts the normal flow of blood to the cells.
The result is chronic inflammation, appearing as redness and swelling of the gums. This tissue irritation is separate from infectious causes like stomatitis and is purely a result of mechanical friction. The most common consequence is the formation of localized pressure sores or ulcers, which develop at specific spots where the denture rubs or presses too firmly.
These sore spots are particularly likely to occur if the denture is already slightly ill-fitting due to underlying bone loss. The friction and trauma make it painful to wear the appliance. If the sores are not allowed to heal, they can become entry points for bacterial infections. Resting the gums is necessary to allow blood vessels to deliver nutrients and remove waste products, promoting tissue repair.
Why Dentures Need Nightly Removal
To counteract the negative effects of continuous wear, dental professionals recommend removing dentures for a minimum of six to eight hours every day. This period of rest is necessary for two primary reasons: biological recovery and hygiene.
Biological Recovery
Removing the denture restores unimpeded blood circulation to the oral tissues, allowing them to heal from minor inflammation or trauma. This nightly break reduces the risk of chronic irritation, pressure sores, and the development of infectious conditions like denture stomatitis.
Hygiene and Disinfection
The second reason for removal is to facilitate thorough cleaning and disinfection of the appliance itself. Soaking the denture overnight in a dedicated cleaning solution helps to break down and eliminate the microbial biofilm that accumulates throughout the day. This soaking process is far more effective at sanitizing the porous acrylic surface than simple brushing alone. Proper nightly removal and cleaning prevent accelerated bone loss, reduce the risk of infection, and extend the comfortable lifespan of the denture.