It's generally not recommended to sleep with fake teeth (dentures).
While it might seem convenient, consistently sleeping with your dentures in can lead to several issues. According to dental recommendations, it's best to remove them each night to give your gums a rest. Whether you have full or partial dentures, taking them out during sleep offers significant benefits.
Why You Should Remove Dentures Before Sleeping
Here's a breakdown of why removing dentures at night is important:
- Gum Health: Wearing dentures constantly can irritate your gums, leading to inflammation and even infection. Removing them allows your gums to recover.
- Bone Health: Constant pressure from dentures can accelerate bone loss in your jaw.
- Oral Hygiene: Bacteria and plaque can accumulate under dentures, increasing the risk of gum disease and bad breath. Removing dentures allows you to properly clean both your mouth and the dentures.
- Overall Health: Some studies suggest a link between poor oral hygiene (related to wearing dentures continuously) and systemic health issues.
Denture Care Best Practices
Here’s a simple table summarizing best practices for denture care:
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Nightly Removal | Take your dentures out every night to allow your gums to rest and recover. |
| Cleaning | Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. |
| Soaking | Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or water overnight to keep them moist and prevent warping. |
| Oral Hygiene (Without Dentures) | Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove bacteria and stimulate circulation. |
| Regular Check-ups | Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and adjustments to ensure your dentures fit properly and to address any oral health concerns. This is especially important as your mouth changes over time, and your dentures may need to be relined or replaced. |
So, while it might be tempting to keep your dentures in overnight, prioritizing your oral health means removing them and following a proper cleaning and care routine.
