Have you ever thought about leaving your dentures in your mouth overnight? After a long and busy day, it might seem like the simplest and easiest thing to do! However, it would not be wise. In fact, there are some important reasons why dentists strongly encourage patients to remove and soak their dentures every night. What are those reasons? This blog post explains four.
Preserving the Shape of Your Dentures
Dentures require moisture to maintain their shape and structural integrity. When you leave your dentures exposed to air for extended periods, they may dry out, which can lead to warping or cracking. This damage can compromise the fit and feel of your dentures, making them uncomfortable or even impossible to wear.
In contrast, placing your dentures in water or a recommended cleaning solution keeps them hydrated. In doing so, you help prevent issues such as warping and cracking. This simple habit allows your dentures to retain their snug, secure fit.
Promoting Thorough Oral Hygiene
Throughout the day, your dentures collect bacteria, food debris, and plaque. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can contribute to gum infections, unpleasant breath, and other oral health problems. Soaking your dentures overnight in a solution designed for denture care removes these unwanted elements.
By taking your dentures out at night, you also gain easier access to all their surfaces. This makes it simpler to brush them thoroughly and keep your smile free from harmful bacteria.
Allowing Your Gums to Rest
Your gums work hard to support your dentures all day long. Continuous wear can cause irritation or soreness. When you remove your dentures at night, your gums have an opportunity to recover and breathe freely. It also promotes healthier circulation. Indeed, this period of rest is vital for maintaining healthy oral tissues!
Keeping Dentures Fresh and Attractive
Soaking your dentures every night provides aesthetic advantages as well. For example, this practice helps reduce the buildup of stains, keeping your dentures looking clean and natural. Additionally, soaking minimizes unpleasant odors by removing accumulated bacteria.
If you have not yet adopted the habit of soaking your dentures each night, now is the perfect time to start. Doing so will help your prosthetic teeth to thrive!
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, our highly skilled team is proud to provide a broad range of services for our community, including dentures and denture maintenance services. Are you curious about how you can get the most out of your prosthetic teeth? We would be happy to answer your questions during a friendly visit! To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our Branford location at 203-439-6895.