You might not like the way your mouth looks and feels when you are not wearing your prosthetic teeth. Plus, modern dentures are more comfortable than ever. Therefore, you might be tempted to wear your replacement teeth around the clock. But is it really okay to wear your dentures 24/7? This blog post discusses what you should know.
The Risks of Full-Time Denture Wear
It is generally not recommended that you wear your dentures 24/7. There are several reasons for this:
- Oral hygiene. Imagine what your feet would smell like if you wore your shoes for days on end. That would be very unpleasant, right? Something similar can happen with dentures. Bacteria and food particles can accumulate beneath them, which could lead to bad breath and increase your risk of infection. Periodically removing your dentures is the best way to make sure that both your mouth and your prosthetic teeth stay clean.
- Bone health. After the natural teeth are extracted, the jawbone starts to shrink. Unfortunately, wearing your dentures too much could place extra pressure on your bone and actually accelerate the bone loss process.
- Respiratory health. If you do not remove your dentures for thorough cleanings, they can accumulate bacteria, which you may breathe in. In turn, this could lead to respiratory infections.
- Denture stomatitis. This is a type of yeast infection that is much more common among people who sleep while wearing dentures. It can cause redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation.
How Long Can You Wear Your Dentures?
As a general rule of thumb, most dentists tell their patients that it is fine to wear their dentures during their waking hours. However, since a 6 – 8 hour break each day is beneficial, it would be best not to wear your prosthetic while you sleep at night. Be sure to clean your denture thoroughly before bed and let it soak in water or a cleansing solution overnight.
The most common exception to this guideline is for individuals who are new to their dentures. Your dentist might advise you to wear them around the clock for a few days so your mouth can get used to how they feel.
A 24-Hour Smile
If you strongly desire to have teeth in your mouth 24/7, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for implant dentures. Some implant dentures are permanently fixed in place and can only be removed during dental visits. In many ways, you can treat them just like natural teeth!
It is fine to wear your traditional dentures all day, but not all night! Removing them for several hours a day can protect your oral and overall health.
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental Care, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of services, including traditional dentures, implant dentures, and denture maintenance. If you have questions about how to care well for your prosthetic, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Enfield, CT, office at 860-856-6928.