Picture this: you’re tired and ready to go to bed when you suddenly realize you forgot to soak your dentures. While the temptation to just go to sleep with them in your mouth might cross your mind, you really shouldn’t. It’s important to give your dentures the care they deserve.
If you want to see why making the effort to soak your dentures overnight is so essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable smile, continue reading.
Why Should I Soak My Dentures Overnight?
There are many reasons you should not only take your dentures out to brush them, but also to ensure that they are soaked overnight. The first is hygiene:
Food Particle Removal
Brushing your dentures removes most of the food and plaque that accumulate on them. However, soaking helps to loosen and remove food particles that may have been missed.
Bacteria and Odor Control
Dentures can harbor bacteria and fungi, especially in the warm and moist environment of the mouth. Overnight soaking with a denture cleanser can help control these microorganisms, reducing the risk of infections and bad smells.
Preventing Stains
Soaking dentures can help prevent stains, keeping them clean and bright. Regular care also makes any necessary cleaning or adjustments more manageable during your daily routine.
Preserving Denture Integrity
Dentures are most often made of ceramic and acrylic, a moldable and flexible material. However, if you don’t care for them properly, they could be damaged. Dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape and functionality. Soaking prevents them from drying out, ensuring they retain their proper fit and don’t become brittle over time.
Enhancing Comfort and Fit
Without regularly removing your dentures and soaking them, you risk damaging not only the prosthetic but also your mouth.
Gum Health
Continuous wear of dentures without a break can lead to irritation and discomfort. Overnight soaking allows the soft gum tissues in your mouth to breathe, promoting better overall oral health.
Proper Fit
Soaking your dentures overnight helps them maintain their proper fit. Ill-fitting dentures can cause sore spots, difficulty chewing, and other discomforts. Regular soaking contributes to a more comfortable and secure fit.
As you can see, it’s important that you don’t give into the temptations of sleeping in your dentures. If you forget once or twice, it’s not the end of the world. However, you should strive to perform proper maintenance and keep your dentures soaking. This will not only improve your oral health but also keep your dentures working great for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen believes in the power of a great smile. That’s why he offers quality dental care and modern denture prosthetics. Dr. Cohen graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and has since then strived for excellence through continuing education at prestigious schools like The Pankey Institute. Call (904) 230-2961 to schedule a denture consultation at Julington Creek Family Dentistry – Jonathan H. Cohen DDS, or visit the website to see all the other services they provide.