Sleeping in Dentures is a Bad Idea

When you are wearing dentures, you get so used to having them in that sometimes it’s difficult to remember that they also need to come out. Some patients are forgetful, while other just choose not to mess with the typical cleaning routine. Unfortunately, there are many very important reasons to give your mouth a break while you are sleeping. Take a look below to see what we mean!

Extra Plaque Build up – Sleeping in your dentures allows extra time for bacteria to wreak havoc. Patients who sleep in their dentures see more plaque buildup on their dentures as well as on their tongues. This weakens your dentures, but it also makes your mouth unhealthy.

Gum Irritation and Inflammation – Your gums are soft, sensitive tissues. They carry your dentures all day every day and need a break at night. Without a break, you might discover sores on your gums as well as inflammation, or swelling. Take those dentures out and let your gums get some rest.

Increased Risk of Pneumonia – Maybe the most important reason to avoid sleeping in your dentures is the increased risk of pneumonia. While you are sleeping with dentures in, your body has trouble swallowing the extra fluid that builds up in your mouth. With nowhere else to go, that fluid sometimes gets into your lungs, causing breathing problems or pneumonia.

There are many reasons to give your mouth a break from your dentures. You need a chance to rest, and your dentures need a chance to be cleaned! If you’ve made it a habit to sleep in your dentures, it’s time to break that habit. Contact us today for more information about how you can keep your mouth healthier while wearing dentures. We would love to hear from you soon!