When you get new dentures, it’s natural to have questions about their care, especially at night. Many wonder, “Can you sleep with dentures?” Whether they are partial or full. At Springhill Dental Health Center, we frequently hear concerns like, "Can I wear my partial denture to bed?" and "What happens if I sleep in my dentures?"
To address these common queries, it’s generally advised to remove dentures before sleeping. This practice promotes oral health by allowing your gums to rest and ensuring proper dental and mouth cleaning. Sleeping with dentures occasionally may not cause harm, but regular overnight wear can lead to discomfort and oral health issues over time.
Clean them thoroughly with a denture cleaner and soak them overnight in water or a recommended solution for optimal denture care. This routine helps maintain their shape and cleanliness, contributing to long-term comfort and oral hygiene.
Benefits of Not Wearing Dentures at Night
There are several significant health benefits to removing your dentures at night:
Prevents Bone Loss
Wearing dentures continuously exerts pressure on your gums and the underlying bone. This constant pressure can accelerate bone resorption, where the bone gradually diminishes. Removing your dentures at night allows your gums and bone to rest, slowing down the bone loss process and helping maintain your oral structure.
Ensures a Tighter Fit
Over time, bone loss and gum resorption can cause your dentures to become loose. Loose dentures are more likely to slip, making it difficult to chew and enjoy a wide range of foods. Taking your dentures out at night helps preserve the shape of your gums and bones, ensuring a better fit and greater comfort when you wear them during the day.
Stops Bacteria Growth
The area where your dentures meet your gums is a prime spot for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to bad breath in the morning and increase the risk of gum disease. Removing your dentures at night gives your gums a break and reduces bacterial buildup, contributing to better oral hygiene and fresher breath.
Prevents Gum Inflammation
Sleeping with dentures can impede the natural flow of saliva, which plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Blocked saliva flow can lead to denture stomatitis, characterized by red, swollen, and inflamed gums often caused by a yeast infection. Taking out your dentures at night allows your gums to recover and reduces the risk of developing this uncomfortable condition.
Can You Sleep with Dentures?
While dentures can boost confidence and improve mouth comfort, wearing them to bed isn't recommended. Removing dentures at night is generally advised to allow your gums to rest. Even if you're considering sleeping with partial dentures, taking them out is better. Any type of denture can potentially cause problems, so caution is critical.
Research indicates that wearing dentures during sleep increases the risk of health issues like pneumonia. It also raises concerns about gum and tongue plaque, inflammation, and oral hygiene. Furthermore, leaving dentures overnight without proper cleaning can create a breeding ground for oral bacteria and fungi, leading to unpleasant odors and irritation.
Therefore, to address whether you can sleep with false teeth in, it's advisable to avoid it whenever possible. Regular removal and cleaning of dentures improve oral health and overall well-being.
Caring for Your Dentures at Night
Before you remove and clean your dentures for the night, follow these steps to ensure a safe and convenient process. Fill the sink with warm water and place a rolled-up towel on its edge to cushion against accidental drops. For added protection, consider placing another towel on the floor, especially if it's tiled or made of stone.
Remove Your Dentures
Start by gargling with warm water to loosen the denture adhesive. This will make removing your dentures easier. Remove your bottom denture first, followed by the top one. Different types of dentures may require specific techniques for removal, so refer to detailed instructions if needed.
Clean Your Dentures
Rinse your dentures under running water to remove any food particles. Use a denture brush or a soft toothbrush with water, denture paste, or non-abrasive toothpaste (avoiding regular toothpaste with abrasives) to brush your dentures thoroughly.
Clean Your Mouth
To remove adhesive residue, gargle with warm salt water and use a clean washcloth to wipe along your gums and the roof of your mouth. Rinse your mouth again with warm water. Brush your gums gently with a soft toothbrush, especially if you have partial dentures. Consider using an oral rinse for freshness and to prevent plaque buildup on your natural teeth or bacteria on your gums.
Soak Your Dentures Overnight
Place your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or water overnight. If using a fast-acting cleanser, follow the manufacturer's instructions before soaking them in water. If applicable, ensure to use a cleaning solution designed for partial dentures.
Morning Routine
Before putting your dentures back in, thoroughly rinse them with water.
Nightly routine for oral Health
It's important to remove your dentures every night before sleeping to maintain oral hygiene, keep your gums healthy, and preserve bone integrity. Wearing dentures while sleeping can lead to various health issues over time.
Conclusion
While keeping your dentures in at night might seem convenient, the potential risks outweigh the benefits. By taking your dentures out and following a proper nighttime care routine, you can promote good oral health, preserve your jawbone, and ensure a comfortable night's sleep. If you have any questions or concerns about your dentures or nighttime routine, schedule an appointment with your dentist at Springhill Dental Health Center dentist. We're here to help you achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile.
FAQs
How many hours a day can you wear dentures?
The general advice is to wear dentures for 8 to 12 hours daily, allowing your mouth to rest overnight. This period of rest is essential as it allows your gums and jawbone to recuperate from the pressure exerted by dentures throughout the day.
Do your gums shrink if you don't wear your dentures?
When you stop wearing dentures, your gums and jawbone may gradually shrink. Chewing plays a crucial role in stimulating the jawbone and promoting circulation, delivering essential nutrients through the bloodstream.
What not to do when you first get dentures?
During the initial healing period or when your mouth is sore, it's best to avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, sticky, or spicy foods and alcohol. To acclimate to wearing dentures comfortably, take your time when eating to prevent accidents and pay attention to the process. Opt for smaller bites or cut your food into smaller pieces to reduce the need for extensive chewing.
Our expert team is dedicated to helping you regain your smile and enjoy the benefits of a complete, healthy set of teeth. Trust us to deliver the care and precision needed for a successful dental implant experience, and take the first step toward revitalizing your oral health today.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, combining functionality with aesthetics to restore your smile. At Alabama Dentist, we utilize advanced techniques to ensure implants integrate seamlessly with your jawbone, providing a stable and secure foundation for replacement teeth. Designed to look and feel like natural teeth, implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a durable and effective choice for improving oral health. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants provide a reliable way to enhance your quality of life.
What our Patients say about us
Testimonials
My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.
Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.