Is It Safe To Leave Dentures In All the Time? A Dentist Gives 4 Reasons Not To

Are you one of the nearly 40 million Americans who use full dentures after tooth loss? If so, you know that you just don’t feel “complete” when you’re not wearing them. In fact, one of the most common questions people ask is, ” Is it safe to leave dentures in all the time?” Keep reading below to learn about 4 good reasons to take out your dentures in Orlando each night while you sleep. You’ll also get some tips on how to maintain them to help them look and feel their best!

Is It Safe To Leave Dentures In All the Time?

It’s certainly understandable that you may want to leave your dentures in at night. Unfortunately, however, it can lead to the following 4 issues:

• Bone loss – Wearing dentures during the day protects your jawbone while wearing them at night actually accelerates the natural process of bone loss. This means you’re likely to have loose, ill-fitting dentures and changes in your facial appearance faster than you would otherwise.
• Prevent bacterial growth – Since bacteria accumulate on your dentures, leaving them in causes bad breath and gum disease. Also, taking your dentures out each night allows your soft tissues to breathe and gives them a “bacteria-free break,” which will keep them significantly healthier.
• Prolong the life of your dentures – Your mouth is naturally quite a bit drier at night. By soaking your dentures in liquid, you’ll prevent cracking and keep them in better shape overall.
• Reduce colds and other illnesses – By exposing your mouth and throat to bacteria all night, you increase your risk of colds, infections, and denture stomatitis, a fungal infection that leads to red, inflamed gums.

Caring For Your Dentures

Here are some tips to maintain your dentures in Orlando and help you get the most out of them:

• Dentures get slippery and can be easily dropped (and broken) while you’re cleaning them. To prevent this, handle them over a soft hand towel or basin of water, just in case.
• A good rule of thumb is to keep your dentures moist at all times to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
• Soaking your dentures is important, but be sure to brush them each day as well to keep them clean.
• Be consistent with dental visits so that any necessary adjustments or repairs can be made (e.g. small chips, cracks, or bends) before they become more serious.

Dentures are a fantastic way to restore your smile. By taking them out each night and taking steps to maintain them, you’ll enjoy all the benefits they provide for many years.

About the Author

Dr. John E. Russo is an award-winning dentist and a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. With decades of experience and an eye for detail, he creates high-quality dentures that look and feel great and always provides tips for maintaining them over the long term. If you have any other questions about dentures in Orlando, he can be reached via his website.