Dentures are among the most tried-and-true of all restorative dental solutions, capable of assisting patients with just a few missing teeth as well as those with entire missing arches. But even though they’re an ideal solution for addressing lost teeth, did you know that they usually aren’t intended to be worn 24/7? Here’s a closer look at some of the issues that can arise if you wear your dentures too frequently, along with some useful tips for keeping your new smile beautiful and functional.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Your Dentures 24/7
While it might seem like a relatively harmless thing to do, wearing dentures 24/7 can actually prove quite detrimental to your oral health. Here are a few of the potential complications that might arise from wearing them too often:
- Wearing dentures too often fosters a favorable environment for bacteria to grow underneath.
- Stomatitis can develop, which weakens the body’s immune system, increasing your chances of getting sick.
- Since dentures apply pressure to the gum tissues and your jawbone ridges that support them, it can accelerate bone resorption.
- Not taking out your dentures prevents them from being cleaned or maintained as needed.
That said, dentures shouldn’t be worn all of the time, but rather, most of the time. No matter how well they’re made, your mouth needs a 6- to 8-hour break every day—which lines up with sleeping! The exception to this is when you first receive dentures; in order to help your body become accustomed to wearing them and to assist with swelling, you’ll need to wear them frequently for the first few days.
Keeping Your Dentures in Great Shape
Fortunately, dentures aren’t difficult to care for, and by removing them as needed for upkeep, you can ensure that they serve you well for many years to come. Consider the following tips:
- When it’s bedtime, remove your dentures to give your gums a chance to rest from wearing them.
- Soak your dentures often in a dedicated cleaning solution, ideally when you take them out to sleep.
- Brush your dentures daily to keep plaque and tartar from building up.
- Avoid bad oral habits that might compromise your dentures, like smoking or biting hard objects.
- Visit your dentist so they can inspect your dentures and adjust them as needed.
About the Practice
Here at Winthrop Street Dentistry, our talented team prides itself on being able to provide families in Worcester with an unmatched level of dental care! Under the leadership of Dr. Evan Yu and Dr. Harry Golnazarian, we’re excited to offer a wide range of restorative services including dentures for those who need to rebuild their smile. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact us online or by phone for further assistance. Telephone: (508) 593-1261.
