After a long and busy day, you might feel tempted to leave your dentures in your mouth overnight or simply rest them on your bedside table. However, soaking your dentures every night brings significant benefits that overrule any convenience you might otherwise enjoy. Indeed, removing and soaking your dentures nightly supports the longevity, cleanliness, and comfort of your prosthetic teeth. What are some of the specific reasons why it is good to soak your dentures every night? This blog post explains.
Preserve Their Shape
When dentures are exposed to air for prolonged periods, they can dry out, leading to warping or cracking. Placing them in water or a recommended cleaning solution keeps them hydrated, which prevents these issues and helps your dentures retain their snug, secure fit. Because this practice reduces the likelihood that your prosthetic will lose its ideal contour, it may allow you to avoid discomfort and the need for premature replacements.
Promote Thorough Oral Hygiene
Throughout the day, your dentures collect bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Soaking them overnight in a solution designed specifically for denture care helps remove these unwanted elements. This cleaning process lowers your risk of gum infections, unpleasant breath, and other oral health problems. Plus, by taking your dentures out, you gain easier access to all their surfaces, making it simpler to brush them thoroughly and keep your smile free of harmful bacteria.
Give Your Gums a Chance to Rest
Your gums support your dentures all day, which can cause irritation or soreness. Removing your dentures at night gives your gums an opportunity to recover and breathe freely. This period of rest is vital for the health of your oral tissues. In contrast, wearing dentures continuously, without meaningful breaks, may result in gum swelling, pressure points, or infections. Allowing your gums to rest overnight also promotes better blood circulation, which supports healing and overall oral wellness.
Additional Benefits of Overnight Soaking
There are other advantages to soaking your dentures each night. For example, this practice helps minimize the buildup of stains, keeping your dentures looking clean and natural. It also reduces the risk of unpleasant odors by removing accumulated bacteria. Proper overnight care even lowers the chances of accidental damage, such as what might occur if you drop your dentures.
Do you have the habit of soaking your dentures each night? If not, now is the time to adopt this practice. Your prosthetic and your oral health will thank you!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Schlessel and Hornstein at The Center for Advanced Dentistry are proud to help our patients enjoy excellent oral health. We offer a variety of services, including dentures, denture maintenance, preventive care, and more. If you would like advice on how you can keep your dentures in good condition, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office in Beachwood, OH, at 216-595-1710.