Dentures are a popular way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss for several reasons. They allow you to eat and speak more like you used to while simultaneously enhancing your appearance to boost your confidence. Although it can take about a month to adjust to wearing them initially, once your mouth has grown accustomed to them you might forget they’re there!

While it’s good that you’re no longer uncomfortable having them in, it’s important to give your mouth a break. If you’re wondering why it’s not wise to keep your artificial teeth in 24/7, keep reading to learn 3 reasons why you should remove them at night!

Reason #1: Accelerated Bone Loss

Did you know that your jawbone begins to deteriorate after tooth loss? The roots of your teeth stimulate your jaw when you bite and chew which keeps it active and healthy. When they go missing, your body begins to repurpose materials that are no longer needed to support them.

Your dentures rely on a firm suction to the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place. If these structures aren’t given a chance to rest and recuperate, it accelerates the rate of jawbone loss.

Reason #2: Bacterial Growth

Unhealthy germs love to gather in the space between your restoration and your gums. If you don’t remove your dentures to clean them, then they have plenty of time to flourish. They can eventually cause dental problems like chronic bad breath or gum disease.

Soaking your dentures at night kills unwanted microbes and reduces the risk of dental problems. It also gives you a chance to cleanse your gums so that in the morning you’ll be putting them back into a clean mouth.

Reason #3: Mouth Sores

Your artificial teeth put extra pressure on your gum tissues and ridges and can rub raw spots if you never take a break, especially if they don’t fit properly. Loose dentures cause friction against the soft materials in your mouth and can cause painful sores. These can become inflamed or infected which might hinder you from wearing your dentures until they heal.

This can be prevented by taking them out at night while you rest. Your mouth has enough time to mend while you’re sleeping to heal any aches or blisters. You can also try using denture adhesives that form a layer of cushion between your gums and your restoration during the day, as well as create a tighter seal to keep bacteria at bay.

As you can see, it’s not necessary to keep your dentures in 24/7, and doing so can negatively impact your oral well-being. Instead, take them out to soak them at night to give your smile a well-deserved break!

About the Author

Dr. Bradford G. Young offers a wide array of general, restorative, and cosmetic services to patients of all ages. He graduated from Villanova University in 1999 before receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 2002. Since then, he opened his own private practice and has been improving smiles for 12 years. He enjoys getting to know his patient’s unique history and dental goals so he can create fully individualized treatments to meet their needs. If you’re interested in dentures or are worried yours aren’t fitting correctly, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (610) 439-1363.