Modern dentures are beautifully lifelike and remarkably functional, and they are also so incredibly comfortable that some patients might be tempted to not bother taking them out for days on end. Unfortunately, continuous denture wear is a horrible idea that can lead to oral injuries and nasty infections that can compromise your appliance. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s so important to remove your dentures and soak them for at least eight hours daily.
Continuous Denture Wear Shelters Harmful Bacteria
While your dentures may be so incredibly comfortable that you might forget that they are there, wearing your appliance continuously will allow food debris and sugary residues to accumulate on your gums. Since this buildup will be covered by your dentures, it will be sheltered from your mouth’s natural cleaning process. The space between your gums and dentures is exactly the sort of warm, damp, dark environment that bacteria love, so be sure to remove your appliance and thoroughly clean it and your gums on a daily basis.
Continuous Denture Wear Reduces Circulation to the Gums
Though dentures are remarkably comfortable, wearing them limits the amount of blood flow that your gums can receive. Proper circulation is absolutely necessary for your gums to recover from strain, heal from injuries, and fight infections, so wearing your dentures for days on end will exhaust your mouth’s soft tissues and may lead to gum erosion and jawbone loss. To prevent this, be sure to remove your dentures for at least eight hours every day so your mouth can rest and clean itself.
Soaking Keeps Your Dentures Clean and in Great Shape
Continuous denture wear can allow plaque and food residue to build up on the surfaces of your appliance, which can lead to visible staining and a foul odor while also making oral infections more likely. Soaking your dentures in an approved cleaning solution when you are not wearing them will help prevent the accumulation of germs and food debris while also keeping them from drying out, which can cause them to warp or become brittle.
Proper denture hygiene is one of the most important parts of keeping your appliance functional and presentable. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to preserve your oral health when wearing dentures.
About the Practice
Lake Nona Dental Group provides outstanding oral health services to the communities of Orlando and St Cloud. Led by a team of six skilled dentists, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys courteous treatment and excellent customer service in a clean and comforting office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture hygiene, contact the practice online.
