Dentures are standard dental fixtures used to replace missing teeth. They are removable and designed to fit snugly over the gums, providing support and functionality to the mouth. However, sleeping with dentures can have some severe negative consequences.
Why Sleeping With Dentures Isn’t Safe
You might already know that dentures aren’t meant to stay in overnight, but let’s dig into some of the reasons why.
Discomfort and Pain
Sleeping with dentures can be uncomfortable and even painful. The pressure exerted by the dentures on the gums and jawbone can cause sore spots, irritation, and inflammation. These conditions can be exacerbated by the friction between the dentures and the mouth’s soft tissues during sleep.
Increased Risk of Infections
Wearing dentures for extended periods can increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth. They can trap food particles and bacteria, creating an environment conducive to harmful microorganisms’ growth.
When you sleep with your dentures, you provide these microorganisms an extended period to multiply and cause infections.
Bone Loss
Dentures can also cause bone loss in the jaw over time as pressure on the jawbone can cause it to resorb, reducing bone density. When you sleep with dentures, you are subjecting your jaw to continuous pressure, which can accelerate this process.
Speech Impairment
Wearing dentures can also affect your speech by altering the shape of your mouth and the way your tongue and lips move. When you sleep with dentures, you are compromising your oral health and your ability to communicate effectively.
Increased Risk of Choking
Because dentures can become dislodged during sleep, they can pose a risk of choking. If not removed immediately, they can slide back into the throat and obstruct the airway. This can be particularly dangerous for people who suffer from sleep apnea, which causes them to stop breathing periodically during sleep.
What Should You Do?
So how do you avoid these hazards? Here are a few tips to minimize the risks of sleeping with dentures.
Remove Dentures Before Bed
The most effective way to avoid the consequences of sleeping with dentures is to remove them before bed. This allows your mouth to rest and recover, reducing the risk of discomfort, infections, and bone loss.
Clean Dentures Regularly
Regular cleaning of your dentures is essential to maintain good oral health. Brush them with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner, soak them in a denture cleaning solution, and rinse them thoroughly before wearing them again.
Soak Dentures Overnight
Soaking your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution can help to eliminate harmful bacteria and fungi that may be present on them, reducing the risk of infections and keeping your dentures in good condition.
Keep Dentures Moist
Dentures can become dry and brittle over time, which can cause them to crack or break. To prevent this, keep your dentures moist by soaking them in water or a denture cleaning solution when you are not wearing them.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Regular checkups are essential to maintain good oral health and ensure dentures fit correctly. Your denturist can check for any signs of discomfort, infections, or bone loss and make any necessary adjustments to your dentures to ensure they fit properly and function correctly.
Bottom Line
Sleeping with dentures can severely affect your oral health and overall well-being. Discomfort and pain, increased risk of infections, bone loss, speech impairment, and increased risk of choking are just a few of the potential dangers of sleeping with dentures.
To avoid these consequences, following the actionable steps outlined above is important. Additionally, if you are experiencing discomfort or problems with your dentures, it is crucial to seek professional help.
If you require denture services or have questions about denture care, get in touch with Hillhurst Denture Clinic today.
Their team of experienced professionals can provide the guidance and support you need to maintain good oral health and enjoy a comfortable, functional smile. Don’t let sleeping with dentures compromise your well-being. Take action today and prioritize your oral health with the help of Hillhurst Denture Clinic.
