At the end of a long day, it might seem like a hassle to take your dentures out of your mouth, clean them, and soak them. You might reason that it would be easier to keep them in your mouth, or even simply let them rest on your bedside table until morning. However, it is very important to soak your dentures overnight! Why? This blog post shares some key reasons.
Preserve Their Shape
Soaking your dentures overnight is crucial to preserving their shape. By submerging them in a proper cleaning solution or even just plain water, you prevent them from drying out, which could cause warping or cracking. You thereby lower the risk that your prosthetic will lose its snug and secure fit prematurely.
Promote Thorough Oral Hygiene
Dentures accumulate bacteria, food particles, and plaque throughout the day. Soaking them overnight in a solution specifically designed for denture care removes these unwanted elements effectively. This thorough cleaning process reduces the risk of infections, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
Plus, just the fact that you are removing your dentures is great for oral hygiene. Taking your prosthetic out allows you to thoroughly clean all of its surfaces and makes it easier to keep your gums free of harmful bacteria.
Give Your Gums a Chance to Rest
Your gums bear the weight and pressure of dentures throughout the day, which can lead to irritation or soreness over time. Removing your dentures at night allows your gums to recover and breathe. This period of rest is essential for maintaining the health of your oral tissues.
In contrast, continuously wearing your dentures without any significant breaks can lead to complications such as gum swelling, pressure points, or even infections. Additionally, this practice encourages better blood circulation in the tissues of your mouth, which supports healing and overall oral health.
Additional Benefits of Soaking Dentures Overnight
There are lots of reasons to soak your dentures overnight! Some additional benefits of this good habit include:
- Soaking dentures reduces the buildup of stains, keeping them looking clean and natural.
- It decreases the risk of unpleasant odors caused by accumulated bacteria.
- Proper overnight care minimizes the chances of accidental damage. For example, it lowers the risk that you will accidentally drop them.
Properly caring for your dentures can extend their life and help them to function optimally! Make it your goal to soak your prosthetic every night.
Meet the Practice
At the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, our team is proud to offer dentures, denture maintenance services, and a broad range of other treatments for members of the Belmont community. If you have questions about how to properly care for your prosthetic or your oral tissues, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 603-556-7047.