It is often recommended by dentists to wear your new dentures for the first night as this helps to heal your gums more quickly. However, the long term wear of dentures overnight can cause more harm than good. Follow the advice below to learn how to protect your gums and care for your dentures.

There are multiple health reasons why you shouldn’t wear your dentures whilst you sleep. Here are the main benefits of removing your dentures on a night:

Prevents Gum Inflammation

Wearing your dentures overnight can affect the flow of saliva around the mouth as it blocks the saliva’s path. This can result in a condition called Denture Stomatitis, more commonly known as thrush. Denture stomatitis is a condition found commonly in denture-wearers as the base of the denture attracts a buildup of plaque allowing the growth of bacteria. This can be painful as it leads to red and swollen gums, sometimes resulting in yeast infected gums.

Maintains a Tighter Fit

Wearing your dentures overnight can result in bone loss. This can cause your dentures to become loose resulting in them to slip, therefore reducing the ranges of foods that you are able to comfortably eat.

Prevents The Growth of Bacteria

The area where your gums and denture meet is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This causes bad breath and can eventually result in gum disease. By not wearing your dentures at night, you are allowing your gums to rest without being damaged by bacteria.

Reduces Bone Loss

Dentures put pressure on the gums and the bone underneath. This can quicken the rate of bone resorption. Bone resorption is a natural process but when it happens faster than the bone can be replaced, it can increase your risk of fractures and breakage.

How to Care For Your Dentures Overnight

Now you know that you shouldn’t wear your dentures overnight, it is important that you know how to look after them. Here are our top tips to ensure that your dentures are in the best condition.

Gargle With Warm Water

Gargling with warm water will help to loosen the seal between the adhesive and your denture, making it much easier to remove.

Rinse the Dentures

Once you have removed your dentures rinse them under running water to remove any remaining food particles.

Brush Dentures With a Soft Toothbrush

To brush your dentures use water, denture paste or a non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it contains abrasives that can cause damage to your dentures.

Remove Adhesive Residues in Your Mouth

Gargle with warm salt water and use a clean washcloth to remove any residue left on your gums and the roof of your mouth. Rinse your mouth out with warm water again. You can also use a soft toothbrush to clean your gums. If you wear a partial denture, don’t forget to brush your natural teeth.

Clean Your Dentures

Soak your dentures in water or a denture cleaning solution overnight. If you use a fast acting cleaning solution, clean your dentures in the solution first and then soak in water overnight. If you have a partial denture make sure you use a solution designed for partials.

In the morning, thoroughly rinse your dentures under running water.