Why You Should Remove Dentures
Dentures have long been a reliable solution for replacing lost teeth, providing people with the ability to smile, speak, and eat comfortably again. While they certainly offer a great benefit in terms of functionality and appearance, many denture wearers overlook an essential part of maintaining their oral health and extending the lifespan of their dentures: removing them nightly. If you wear dentures, it’s important to make it a habit to remove them every night, and in this blog, we will explore why this simple step is so crucial for both your dentures and your oral health.
Preventing Discomfort and Irritation
One of the primary reasons to remove your dentures every night is to prevent discomfort and irritation. Wearing dentures around the clock can put constant pressure on your gums, leading to soreness and irritation. Your gums need a break to heal and recover from the constant friction that dentures create. When dentures are worn continuously, especially overnight, it can lead to sore spots in the mouth, gum tenderness, and even mouth ulcers, which can be very painful.
By removing your dentures at night, you give your gums the time they need to rest and recover. This simple act helps reduce the risk of developing sore spots and irritation, which improves your overall comfort. Additionally, taking them out at night allows you to perform proper oral care, keeping your mouth clean and free from bacteria.
Reducing the Risk of Infections
Another compelling reason to remove your dentures every night is to reduce the risk of infections. When dentures are worn for extended periods, such as while you sleep, bacteria and food particles can accumulate beneath them. If dentures are not removed and cleaned properly, this buildup can lead to oral infections, such as gum disease or fungal infections like candidiasis (thrush). These infections can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort in the gums, and in more severe cases, they can even affect the health of your entire mouth.
By removing your dentures overnight, you minimize the risk of bacterial and fungal growth in your mouth. Taking them out allows your mouth to breathe, reducing moisture and bacteria buildup that can lead to infection. Cleaning your dentures thoroughly at night also ensures that any particles or debris that might be stuck in them are properly removed, helping to maintain both oral and denture health.
Maintaining the Shape and Fit of Dentures
Dentures are custom-designed to fit your mouth, but their shape and fit can change over time due to constant wear and tear. Wearing them overnight every night can cause them to lose their shape and may even lead to the denture material becoming warped. This can result in ill-fitting dentures, which can cause discomfort, slipping, and even affect your ability to speak or eat properly.
Removing your dentures at night helps preserve their shape and fit for longer. When you take them out, they can be stored in a safe, moist environment, such as a denture solution or water, which prevents them from drying out and warping. Allowing your dentures to rest during the night also prevents them from putting additional pressure on your gums and mouth, which can help them maintain their original shape for a longer period of time. Regularly removing your dentures allows you to avoid unnecessary adjustments or replacement, saving you time and money in the long run.
Promoting Better Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is just as important for denture wearers as it is for people with natural teeth. When dentures are worn for long hours without removal, plaque and bacteria can accumulate on them, leading to the formation of a layer of grime on the surface. This buildup can cause bad breath and may even affect the health of your gums. Regular removal of dentures provides the opportunity for both the dentures and your mouth to be cleaned properly.
When you remove your dentures at night, you can clean them thoroughly with a denture brush and special denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque buildup. It’s equally important to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush or gauze to ensure that no bacteria or debris remains in your mouth. This regular practice of cleaning not only helps maintain the health of your dentures but also helps prevent gum disease, bad breath, and oral infections.
Enhancing Comfort and Sleep Quality
Wearing dentures while sleeping can lead to discomfort, particularly for those who are not accustomed to wearing them 24/7. The pressure on your gums and the lack of room for your soft tissues to rest can create discomfort throughout the night, which may interfere with your ability to sleep soundly. By removing your dentures at night, you allow your mouth to relax, which can improve the overall comfort and quality of your sleep.
Additionally, some denture wearers report experiencing jaw discomfort or headaches when wearing their dentures overnight. This is often due to the extra strain placed on the jaw muscles when dentures are worn for an extended period of time. Taking out your dentures before bed can alleviate this pressure and allow your jaw to rest, potentially reducing the occurrence of headaches or jaw pain associated with prolonged denture use.
Conclusion
Removing your dentures every night is a simple yet crucial habit that can significantly improve your comfort, oral health, and the lifespan of your dentures. By giving your gums a break, reducing the risk of infections, maintaining the shape of your dentures, promoting better hygiene, and enhancing your overall sleep quality, you are investing in your long-term well-being. It may seem like a small step, but the benefits of nightly denture removal cannot be overstated. If you want to ensure that your dentures continue to serve you well while keeping your mouth healthy and comfortable, be sure to make the practice of removing them at night a part of your daily routine. Your gums, mouth, and dentures will thank you for it.