After experiencing the inconveniences and struggles of tooth loss, you may really love your dentures! Indeed, modern dental prosthetics are beautiful, functional, and surprisingly comfortable. You might even be tempted to wear them around the clock. But is that wise? No, it is not. In this blog post, you will learn why 24/7 denture wearing is not a good idea.
Risks of Continuous Denture Wearing
Wearing your dentures without pause can lead to several unpleasant consequences:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Never removing your dentures makes it impossible to thoroughly clean both your prosthetic and your mouth.
- Oral Infections: Constant denture wear increases the risk of infections like stomatitis and thrush, as bacteria and fungi can thrive underneath the prosthesis.
- Gum Irritation: Wearing dentures all day and night can cause your gums to become sore, inflamed, and irritated.
- Bone Resorption: Continuous pressure from dentures may accelerate bone loss in your jaw, eventually affecting the fit and stability of your prosthetic.
- Bad Breath: Not allowing your dentures and gums to breathe can trap bacteria, resulting in persistent bad breath.
How Often Should You Remove Your Dentures?
To protect both your artificial teeth and your oral health, you should remove your dentures after each meal and give them a quick rinse to get rid of any food particles that might be clinging to them.
At night, remove your denture and use a soft brush, along with a mild cleaning agent, to gently clean all its surfaces. Then, soak it in water or a cleaning solution while you sleep. Your overnight period without dentures will allow your gums to rest, encourage good circulation, and allow you to start the next day with a fresh and confident smile.
Dentures That Are Suitable for Round-the-Clock Use
If you really love the idea of wearing your dentures 24/7, talk to your dentist about implant dentures. These are anchored in the mouth by prosthetic tooth roots, and some types can be permanently fixed in place (removable only by a dental professional). You can care for them similarly to how you would care for natural teeth, though you may need to be extra-diligent about cleaning beneath them with a water flosser or tiny interdental brushes.
Generally speaking, dentures are not designed for 24-hour use. Talk to your dental team to get tips on how to properly care for both your prosthetic and your natural oral tissues.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Homsi and Shlaferman are proud to serve the Concord community as highly skilled general dentists. They are both active members of the American Dental Association and are always looking for opportunities to provide top-quality care for patients. Dentures and denture maintenance are among the many services available in our practice. To learn more about us or to book an appointment, contact Charm Smile Dental at 603-228-0123.