Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they can help rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality simultaneously. Whether you require a complete or a partial set, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration that’s been carefully customized to look and feel as natural as possible.
You might even become so adjusted to wearing your new teeth that you forget they’re in your mouth and accidentally fall asleep that way. Although a single night of sleeping in your dentures might not cause lasting harm, it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why!
Concern #1: Developing Sores
Your restoration forms a firm suction against the connective tissues over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place all day long. This can cut off the circulation to your gums, reducing your body’s capacity to deliver essential nutrients to keep them strong and healthy.
This can result in sores and blisters that make it uncomfortable to put your dentures in your mouth. Taking your teeth out and leaving them in a glass of room-temperature water or a special soaking solution can help eradicate germs while maintaining their shape. Plus, taking a break overnight gives your tender tissues a well-earned reprieve to rest and recover.
Concern #2: Gum Disease
Some patients who have lost all their teeth mistakenly assume they no longer need to worry about their oral health, but nothing could be farther from the truth! Your dentures can trap bacteria, leftover bits of food, and other particles against your gums throughout the day, giving unhealthy germs plenty of time to proliferate. They can even collect on the surfaces of your dentures, forming plaque that contributes to gum disease.
If you’ve fallen asleep with your dentures inserted, there’s a good chance you also forgot to take them out to clean them, increasing your vulnerability to periodontal problems. You can avoid this by removing them before bed, thoroughly brushing all surfaces with a soft-bristle brush and clear dish soap or non-abrasive toothpaste, and then leaving them in a glass of water while you snooze.
Concern #3: Accelerated Bone Loss
Did you know that your jaw starts thinning after one or more teeth go missing? Unfortunately, it’s possible to lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone density within the first year of one falling out because there’s no longer a root in place to stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down. This weakens the foundation of your smile, which can eventually cause additional tooth loss.
Your dentures press firmly against the connective and bone tissues in your mouth to remain in place, and the force they exert can potentially speed up the degeneration process. That means removing your restoration before bed can help preserve the structure of your jaw for longer.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for tooth loss, it might be time to consider getting dental implants instead!
About the Practice
At Columbus Dental Arts, you and your family benefit from the care and oversight of two dentists eager to help you build a beautiful, healthy smile. Dr. Fraser and Dr. Wolf collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet the needs of people of all ages at one convenient location. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver resilient restorations, such as dentures, designed to look and feel as lifelike as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (609) 324-9500.