Wearing Dentures 24/7: Is It a Good Idea?

Wearing dentures 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, might sound like a reasonable expectation; however, many potential problems can arise. As removable prosthetics, these teeth require regular maintenance beyond keeping your mouth clean. Keep reading to discover why your dentist discourages full-time wear when living with dentures.

Excessive Bacterial Growth

When you wear your dentures continuously, the moisture that collects beneath your teeth can harbor harmful bacteria. That lack of air exposure makes it a breeding ground for particles that can lead to bad breath, inflammation, and gum disease.

Greater Risk for Respiratory Illness

Failing to remove your dentures at night can allow bacteria from your prosthetics to accumulate in your mouth and throat. As a result, you become susceptible to pneumonia, respiratory infections, and colds. This can be a serious problem if you already experience lung-related health issues.

Faster Bone Loss

Wearing dentures does not stop your jawbone from deteriorating over time. However, removing your teeth at night can slow the resorption process. If you choose not to, the applied pressure from your dentures throughout the day and night can increase the risk of lower bone density. As it resorbs, your dentures will no longer fit properly, creating a separate problem that requires dental intervention.

Poor Cleaning Habits

If you are always wearing your dentures, you’re likely not cleaning them properly or as often as you should. Removable prosthetics must be cleaned multiple times a day and soaked overnight. This removes bacteria, as well as plaque and tartar buildup, so that it doesn’t continue to harm your gums.

Potential Damage

Wearing your dentures while you sleep can put your new teeth at risk of damage. If you grind your teeth at night, your prosthetics may suffer chips, cracks, or breaks, requiring you to get a replacement denture much sooner than you anticipated.

Developing Stomatitis

If you want to avoid yeast from forming along your upper denture and causing red bumps on the roof of your mouth and an infection (stomatitis), make sure to remove your teeth before bed. Failing to do so can cause painful burning and swollen tissue, making it harder for you to wear your dentures throughout the day.

Taking your dentures out before bed is the most responsible thing to do. Not only does it give your mouth much-needed rest, but it ensures that your artificial teeth soak in an effective cleanser throughout the night, so they remain healthy and ready for wear each day.

About the Authors
Ready to start taking proper care of your dentures? At Imagine Smiles, our holistic dentists are here to provide the detailed instructions you need to ensure the health and long-term success of your new and improved smile. Dr. Case, Dr. Ellis, and Dr. Green are here to ensure you understand what it takes to keep your prosthetics clean so you can enjoy them longer. Contact us at (763) 269-8650 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.