When you first got your dentures, you probably felt somewhat encumbered while eating, speaking, and smiling. But over time, you got used to how they feel in your mouth. You got so used to them, in fact, that you’d rather not take them out every night. Since they’re meant to replace your missing teeth anyway, can’t you simply wear them 24/7?
Actually, there are several reasons you’re not going to want to do that! Keep reading to learn why it’s important to give your dentures a break.
Gums Need a Breather
Part of the reason your dentures are so cozy is that they’re suctioned to your gums. This is nice for you but restricts your gums’ ability to breathe. To stay healthy, they need time to be able to circulate smoothly – as in, they need a break while you sleep at night.
“If that’s true, why did my dentist instruct me to leave my dentures in for the first week?”
Good question. The first week of your denture journey is a bit different, because you and your mouth aren’t accustomed to this strange device. This is the only time your dentist will likely recommend wearing them 24/7, and that’s to help you adjust and your gums to heal.
You Risk Developing Denture Stomatitis
Imagine your dentures as a sort of lid over your gums. What happens when you keep a lid closed over something moist and squishy? It gets gross – possibly even moldy! When you keep your dentures closed over your gums for too long, you could develop denture stomatitis, an uncomfortable yeast infection. If untreated, denture stomatitis will weaken your body, leaving you vulnerable to conditions like cancer and diabetes. Needless to say, it’s best to avoid this and remove your dentures regularly.
You’re Missing a Key Oral Hygiene Habit
Now, revisit that image of a moist, moldy container. The contents might not look like a science experiment after one day, but it will smell, and probably has plenty of bacteria growing in the warm darkness. As you go about your day, odors and bacteria accumulate underneath your dentures, putting you at risk for gum disease. The only way to scrub out these troublemakers is to take your prosthetic out for thorough brushing and flossing!
Overall, leaving your dentures in your mouth all the time just isn’t good for your oral health. Unpleasant morning breath will be the least of your worries! To preserve your gums and general wellness, it’s important to follow your dentist’s care instructions closely. Remove your dentures as recommended and maintain a strong oral hygiene routine. That way, you can enjoy the comfort of your dentures without these risky effects!
About the Practice
Drs. Dory Stutman and Khalida Stutman are renowned in the Long Island area for their dental cosmetic skills. That means you can be rest assured that your dentures will look fantastic! As highly experienced professionals, they’ll fine-tune your prosthetics to fit comfortably and suit your needs. To contact their office, call 516-798-3808.