Dentures are a great alternative if you are missing some or all of your natural teeth. Not only do they make it easier to talk and eat but they help give you a great smile. Just because you now have a set of false teeth doesn’t mean that you can abandon your daily oral hygiene regime and not look after your new set of pearly whites. Part of your new regime includes taking your dentures out but does that mean you can sleep in dentures?
This seems to be a subject that many people are confused about. Dentures are a substitute for real teeth so you should be able to sleep in them, right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. There are a number of reasons why you should not sleep in your dentures.
Your Gums Can Get Sore
Your gums and jaw bone are one of the main parts that holds your dentures in place. If you have been sleeping with your dentures in, you may have found that your gums are getting sore and inflamed. This is due to the constant pressure of having dentures push against the gums. Taking your dentures out each night will allow your gums to have a break from the constant pressure, making your dentures feel more comfortable the next day.
Additionally, we wrote an article a while back that outlines a few simple tips and tricks for choosing comfortable dentures even you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
Another reason to make sure you take your dentures out each night is the risk of catching pneumonia. This may seem extreme but pneumonia is a real threat if you leave your dentures in while you sleep.
As you sleep you naturally build up moisture in your mouth which makes you swallow. This is a natural bodily function which you don’t usually think about. Sleeping with dentures makes the swallowing process harder and can cause you to accidentally pull liquid into your lungs. This then puts you at risk of breathing problems and pneumonia.
A Proper Oral Hygiene Routine is Essential
Besides the health risks mentioned above it is essential to keep up a good cleaning routine. If you neglect to look after your dentures you are opening yourself up to a whole host of problems. It may surprise you to learn that dentures are prone to stains and tartar build up. Allowing plaque to build up on your dentures can lead to sore gums and even infection.
Brushing your dentures with a soft bristled brush or special denture cleaning brush with a mild soap or dental paste will ensure your dentures are clean of any nasty bacteria. There are many products available now that help with cleaning dentures but the best thing to do is check with your dentist as to the best cleaning method.
Make Sure You See Your Dentist
You need to make sure you still see your dentist annually even if you have a full or partial denture. Your dentist will be able to check your denture fits correctly and isn’t causing any discomfort and irritation to your gums. You will also be able to tell your dentist if you are having any issues that they will be able to help you with.
If you have any concerns about your existing denture or have any questions that you need answered give Aesthetic Dentures a call on (02) 4655 4438 and we will be able to arrange a time for you to come in and see your expert team!
