Whether you’ve been wearing your dentures for one week or 10 years, these prosthetics can change your life in a multitude of ways. Of course, the only way you can take full advantage of their many benefits is to keep them clean and intact. One of the ways you can do this is by making sure they soak overnight. But why? Why is it necessary that they not be worn while you’re asleep? Read on to find out why dentists urge this essential step if dentures are to maintain a longer lifespan.
Reasons Your Dentist Recommends Soaking Your Dentures
Once you receive your dentures, it’s essential that you take proper care of them. Not only are there steps you need to follow to ensure they remain safe and intact throughout the day, but when it comes to bedtime, soaking your dentures is highly recommended for the following reasons:
It Provides a More Thorough Cleaning
Your dentures accumulate a lot of germs while being worn, so when soaking them at night, you can expect them to experience a more thorough cleaning. Using a denture cleaner allows for the solution to penetrate the small surfaces of your artificial teeth, effectively targeting harmful bacteria and eliminating them.
It Ensures Better Oral and Overall Health
Wearing dentures around the clock can lead to serious oral and overall health problems if you’re not careful. Although it might not seem like a big deal, a lack of saliva production can cause a dry mouth, which can create a haven for bad bacteria to accumulate.
If you take certain medications, dry mouth is also more likely to occur. Keeping your dentures clean through careful soaking ensures your prosthetic teeth are thoroughly disinfected, reducing the chances of harmful germs being passed to the gums and creating problems for your oral health.
It Gives Your Gums a Chance to Breathe
Dentures place a lot of pressure on your gums, which means that at nighttime, allowing them to soak gives these soft oral tissues a chance to breathe and rest. It also allows your gums to regain vital nutrients that are commonly lost throughout the day while wearing dentures.
It Reduces the Risk of Gum Disease
Although not porous like regular tooth enamel, acrylic dentures do contain small pores that can trap bacteria. Without regular care (including soaking), these same germs attack the oral tissues inside your mouth, increasing your risk of gum disease.
By soaking your denture, the solution used thoroughly removes bacteria that may try to burrow into the pores and wreak havoc on your oral and overall health.
Dentures can be a wonderful addition to your daily routine, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile like never before. Keeping them clean is essential, so make sure you’re following your dentist’s instructions to keep them lasting longer and looking healthier.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Derksen is a dentist with Dallas Esthetics who has been a part of the team for nearly 15 years. Bringing together his passion for art and science, he enjoys being able to help patients recapture a more youthful and functional appearance. When working alongside a person who wears dentures, he strives to provide vital information that will keep these prosthetics lasting as long as possible. If you wear dentures and need help to extend their lifespan, visit our website or call (214) 827-1150.
