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Thanks to the materials they’re made of and the way they’re personalized for each patient, modern dentures are more comfortable than ever. You might even feel like you can keep them in your mouth 24/7. That does not mean, however, that you should actually do so. Your dentist strongly advises that you only wear your dentures for a certain number of hours each day; here’s why.
Why Shouldn’t You Wear Your Dentures 24/7?
Since traditional dentures don’t have roots, they can’t stimulate the jawbone the way your natural teeth can. They do, however, put additional pressure on the tissues in your mouth. Consequently, if you constantly wear your dentures, you could speed up the process of bone loss in your jaw. Less bone means less support for your dentures, causing them to become more prone to slipping and falling out.
Additionally, if you don’t occasionally let the gum tissue underneath your dentures get some air, it could lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Eventually, the covered tissue might become inflamed, resulting in a condition known as denture stomatitis. Not only can it cause quite a bit of discomfort, but it could also weaken your immune system.
How Many Hours a Day Should You Wear Dentures?
You should keep your dentures in your mouth no longer than 16 to 18 hours a day. This will give your gums and jawbone 6 to 8 hours to rest and recover. Naturally, the ideal time to remove your dentures is typically right before you go to bed.
There is an exception, however. When you first get dentures, your dentist might tell you to wear them as much as possible, including at night. This is to help your mouth adjust to the presence of your new dental prosthetic. Just make sure that you don’t get too used to leaving your dentures in; you need to start getting into the habit of taking them out regularly as soon as possible.
How Can You Care for Dentures After Taking Them Out?
Dentures need to stay moist, or else they might become brittle and uncomfortable to wear. Make sure that you always keep your dentures in a soaking solution overnight.
You should brush your dentures after removing them to ensure that they’re clean when the time comes to put them back in your mouth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is suitable for the job, but avoid using conventional toothpastes, as they could potentially damage your dental prosthetic.
No matter how happy you are with the look or feel of your dentures, it’s important to take them out on a regular basis. Make sure that you’re practicing the right denture-wearing habits so that you can protect your grin.
About the Practice
At Dentex Dental of Philadelphia, our patients can experience world-class dental care at a price they can afford. We want to make going to the dentist less stressful, and we’ll do everything we can to make each appointment as easy as possible. We can help you restore your smile with beautiful, personalized dentures. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (215) 677-3904.