Can You Sleep with Your Dentures In?

Why Dentists Recommend Removing Dentures at Night

Just like the rest of your body, your gums and jawbone also need relief from the pressure of wearing dentures all day. Removing dentures at night allows the soft tissues to break down and receive blood circulation to regenerate.

Keeping your dentures in at all times puts unnecessary pressure on the gums. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, and may contribute to gum disease or gum recession over time. Taking dentures out also gives you the chance to clean your dentures as well as your mouth to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

What Happens When You Sleep with Dentures In?

Wearing dentures overnight occasionally does not cause problems, but if you wear them regularly, there’s a chance of increased oral health risks.

Gum Irritation

Friction occurs between the gums and dentures, which causes gum irritation, sore spots, or redness. The swollen tissues will become sore and create problems with wearing dentures during the day.

Bacteria and Fungal Formation

When dentures are worn all day, bacteria, plaque, and food accumulate on them. If dentures are worn overnight, there is an increased risk of developing fungal and bacterial infections. These conditions can contribute to infections such as denture stomatitis, which causes redness under the dentures.

Bad Breath

Poor maintenance of your dentures can cause bad breath. You need to remove and wash your dentures every night.

Bone and Gum Changes

Bone and gum tissue changes due to the pressure that dentures apply to the mouth. Over time, these changes may alter the fit of a denture and some adjustments may be necessary.

Increased Risk of Pneumonia

For older people, wearing dentures overnight is harmful as it can also trigger pneumonia. Bacteria from dentures can enter the lungs while sleeping, especially in those who have a weak immune system.

How to Care for Dentures Overnight?

Proper denture care is also important for comfort and good oral hygiene. Take out your dentures and clean them properly before going to bed. This process requires just a few basic steps:

• Rinse your dentures once you have removed them from your mouth.
• Clean your dentures using an appropriate denture cleanser and a soft brush.
• Clean your mouth, including the tongue and gums.
• Soak the dentures overnight in water or a suitable denture solution.
• Rinse the dentures before placing them back in your mouth in the morning.
• Avoid hot water to clean dentures since it will deform them.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are exceptions to the rule when, after undergoing specific treatments like having an immediate denture placed after a tooth extraction, a patient is required to wear their dentures at night for a short period of time.

But your dentist will instruct you accordingly. Other than these exceptions, it is strongly advised to take out your dentures before going to bed.