When you’re already tired, it can be difficult to prioritize the things you need to do before you go to bed. That’s why many people with dentures leave them while sleeping. However, this isn’t the best habit to get into. There are several reasons why you should have your dentures soak overnight — here are just a few.
#1: Preventing Bacterial Buildup
Our mouths are full of bacteria, both good and bad. The good ones aid in digestion, while the bad ones lead to gum disease. As we age, both kinds of bacteria are more established in our mouths, meaning they’re able to grow faster.
Dentures may look like they’re made of solid material, but they’re covered with pores that make great hiding places for bacteria. That’s why soaking your dentures overnight is so important. If germs are allowed to start building up on your prosthetic, they’ll contribute to the colonies of bad bacteria in your mouth, increasing your chance of infection.
#2: You Need to Rest Your Gums
Natural teeth are connected directly to the jawbone. When you chew, bite, or clench your teeth, your jaw takes on most of the force of those actions. However, your removable dentures aren’t connected to any bone structure, so your gums are put under more pressure than they’re used to dealing with. They need a break. Taking your dentures out to sleep gives the soft tissue in your mouth a chance to recover, which can prevent irritation and sore spots from developing.
#3: Brushing Isn’t Enough for your Dentures
Your dentures are covered in microscopic pores that need to be cleaned out. While brushing can be great for removing large patches of buildup, the bristles on your toothbrush are too large to effectively clean out those pores. Soaking solution, on the other hand, has an antiseptic effect that has been demonstrated to kill 99% of germs on the surface of your prosthetic.
It can feel like a little bit of a chore but soaking your dentures each night isn’t that difficult. It only takes five minutes of your day but makes a huge difference to your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Mark E. Lawton has been a dentist for over 20 years, and after all that time his favorite thing has been the connections he’s made with his patients. He prides himself on his ability to fashion natural-looking prosthetics so that everyone who visits his office can have their perfect smile. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School and works hard to stay up-to-date on the latest in oral medicine. If you have any questions about how best to care for your dentures, Dr. Lawton can be reached at his website or by phone at (281) 447-2186.