One common question many denture wearers have is, “Can you sleep with dentures?” The short answer is yes, you can, but there may be better options for your oral health. Unfortunately, sleeping with dentures can be uncomfortable and may cause problems. However, there are steps you can take to ensure comfortable sleep with your dentures.
This article will discuss the potential problems of sleeping with dentures, how to do so safely, and alternatives to consider.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They are designed to restore function and aesthetics to the mouth, making it easier for the wearer to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of dentures:
- Complete dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
- Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and are anchored to the remaining natural teeth.
Can you sleep with dentures?
While it is possible to sleep with dentures, it is generally not recommended. Wearing dentures 24/7 can lead to issues that may negatively impact oral health.
Potential Problems
- Gum irritation: Prolonged wear can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums.
- Denture stomatitis: This is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. It is more likely to develop if dentures are worn continuously.
- Bone resorption: Wearing dentures at night can lead to accelerated bone loss in the jaw, as the pressure from the dentures is not relieved.
Benefits of Removing Dentures at Night
Removing dentures at night has several advantages:
- Gum tissue recovery: Resting your gums helps promote healing and reduce inflammation.
- Better oral hygiene: Removing dentures makes cleaning your mouth and dentures easier.
- Preventing denture-related problems: Taking out dentures at night can help minimize the risk of gum irritation, infection, and bone resorption.
Risks Associated with Sleeping with Dentures
Sleeping with dentures can pose several risks to your oral health. One of the most significant risks is the possibility of choking or aspiration if the dentures dislodge during sleep. This risk is especially high for elderly individuals with weaker gag reflexes. In addition, if the dentures become loose, they can easily slide down into the throat and cause breathing difficulties.
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Gum irritation and inflammation due to prolonged denture wear
Another issue with sleeping with dentures is gum irritation and inflammation due to prolonged wear. In addition, the pressure points caused by the dentures can lead to sore spots and tissue damage over time. This can result in painful gums, bleeding, and other oral health issues.
It is vital to take proper care of your dentures and always keep them clean. Regular dental checkups are also essential for identifying any potential issues early on.
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Dry Mouth Caused by Sleeping with Dentures
Sleeping with dentures can also cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath and other oral health issues. A dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva production in the mouth, which can be caused by wearing dentures for extended periods without removing them.
Therefore, it is recommended that you remove your dentures before going to bed at night and rinse your mouth thoroughly before putting them back in place in the morning.
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Misaligned Denture Issues During Sleep
Prolonged use of dentures during sleep can cause them to become misaligned, leading to discomfort and difficulty eating and speaking. Misaligned dentures can also cause sore spots and tissue damage in the mouth.
You should remove your dentures before going to bed at night and store them in a clean, dry place. This will help ensure that they remain properly aligned and fit when you put them back in place in the morning.
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Bacterial Growth and Infection Risks
Prolonged denture wear without proper cleaning can lead to bacterial growth and infection. Bacteria can accumulate on the surface of the dentures over time, leading to bad breath, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
A study titled “Denture Wearing during Sleep Doubles the Risk of Pneumonia in the Very Elderly” revealed that wearing dentures overnight not only increases oral inflammation and microbial burden but also the risk of pneumonia, a potentially fatal condition for the older age groups. The findings suggest that adopting simple denture care habits, such as removing them at night, could significantly reduce pneumonia risks among the older population.
How to Sleep With Dentures Safely
If you still prefer to sleep with your dentures, consider these tips for doing so safely:
- Proper Cleaning
Clean your dentures thoroughly before bedtime to remove food debris and bacteria. Also, clean the gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Secure Fit
Ensure your dentures fit securely to prevent movement during sleep. If you experience discomfort or looseness, see your dentist for adjustments.
- Regular dental checkups
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor your oral health and ensure your dentures are in good condition.
Benefits of Dentures
1. Prevents facial sagging
One of the most significant benefits of sleeping with dentures is that it can prevent facial sagging. When you lose your teeth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate, which can lead to a sunken appearance on your face.
Dentures help fill out your cheeks and lips, supporting the underlying bone structure. This helps maintain a youthful appearance, which is particularly important for older adults.
2. Reduces the Risk of Gum Irritation
Another benefit of sleeping with dentures is that it can reduce the risk of gum irritation. When you have missing teeth, your gums are exposed to food particles and bacteria that can cause inflammation and discomfort. Dentures provide a barrier between your gums and these irritants, helping to keep them healthy and pain-free.
To further reduce the risk of gum irritation, cleaning your dentures thoroughly before bed each night is important. This will help remove any food particles or bacteria that have accumulated throughout the day.
3. Provides support for the remaining teeth
If you still have some natural teeth remaining in your mouth, wearing dentures while you sleep can provide additional support for these teeth. In addition, the pressure from biting down on the denture helps distribute force evenly across all of your teeth, reducing the risk of damage or wear on individual teeth.
Wearing dentures at night can help prevent bruxism (teeth grinding), often caused by stress or anxiety. Bruxism can cause significant damage to both natural teeth and dental appliances like bridges or crowns.
4. It helps maintain the proper alignment of teeth.
When you lose one or more teeth in an arch (upper or lower jaw), adjacent teeth can shift towards the gap, causing misalignment. This can lead to bite problems and even jaw pain. Dentures help maintain the proper alignment of teeth by providing support and holding them in place.
5. Improves speech and pronunciation
Missing teeth can affect your speaking ability, particularly regarding sounds like “s” or “th.” Wearing dentures while you sleep can help improve your speech and pronunciation by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.
6. Promotes Better Oral Hygiene
Finally, wearing dentures while you sleep can promote better oral hygiene. Removing your dentures before bed each night and cleaning them removes any bacteria or food particles that may have accumulated throughout the day. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems.
In addition to cleaning your dentures, brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth before bed each night is important. This will help remove any bacteria or plaque accumulated throughout the day.
How to Care for Your Dentures
Proper care for your dentures is essential to maintaining their functionality and appearance. Follow these guidelines for optimal denture care:
- Daily Cleaning
Clean your dentures daily using a soft denture brush and denture cleanser. Avoid toothpaste or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the denture surface.
- Overnight Soaking
Soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight to help remove plaque, bacteria, and stains. This also helps keep the dentures moist, preventing them from drying out and losing shape.
- Regular Adjustments
Visit your dentist regularly for denture adjustments, relining, or replacement as needed. This ensures a comfortable and secure fit and helps prevent oral health issues.
How long should you wear dentures?
You should wear your dentures throughout the day to help you speak, eat, and maintain a natural-looking smile. However, it is generally recommended to remove them at night, giving your gums and oral tissues a chance to rest and recover.
During the initial adjustment period, which usually lasts a few days, your dental professional may advise you to wear dentures overnight. Once your mouth has adapted to the dentures, it is best to avoid wearing them while sleeping to minimize the risk of oral health problems.
Always follow your dentist’s guidance on how long to wear your dentures and any specific care instructions.
Maintaining oral hygiene with dentures
Dentures are an excellent solution for people who have lost their teeth due to injury, decay, or age. They help restore the ability to eat and speak properly while improving oral health. However, taking proper care of dentures is essential to maintaining oral hygiene and health after tooth loss.
- Dentures require proper cleaning.
New dentures require proper cleaning with a denture cleanser to remove bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath and other oral health issues. It is also important not to use regular toothpaste or household cleaners, as they may damage the material used for making dentures.
- Denture Stomatitis
Denture stomatitis is a common condition caused by yeast overgrowth in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene practices. It leads to redness, swelling, and soreness under the denture base. Always cleaning your partial or full dentures is essential to preventing this condition.
- Partial dentures require regular cleaning.
Partial dentures require regular cleaning because they can cause damage if left uncleaned for extended periods. In addition, the natural teeth supporting partials are susceptible to cavities and gum diseases if not cleaned correctly.
Dental Implants, Snap-On and Overdentures
Dental implants, snap-on, and overdentures are all great options to replace missing teeth. They restore your smile and improve your chewing and speaking abilities. However, like natural teeth, they require proper care to maintain their longevity. This section will discuss some essential tips for taking care of your dental implants, snap-on, or overdentures.
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Follow your dentist’s instructions.
Your dentist is the best person to guide you on cleaning and caring for your dentures. Make sure you follow their instructions carefully. They may recommend using a specific toothbrush or cleaning solution suitable for your denture material. Using the wrong products can cause damage or discoloration to your dentures.
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Use adhesive sparingly.
Adhesives can help keep dentures in place and prevent them from slipping while eating or talking. However, using too much adhesive can cause discomfort and damage dentures. Therefore, it is recommended to use adhesive sparingly as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Remove dentures before sleeping.
It is crucial to remove your dentures before sleeping at night. This gives your gums a chance to rest and prevents any potential damage caused by constant pressure throughout the day. In addition, removing dentures at night helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues.
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Regular dental checkups
Regular dental checkups are important, even if you have no natural teeth left in your mouth. Your dentist will examine your gums and remaining teeth (if any) for signs of infection or decay that could affect the fit of your denture over time. They will also check for cracks or chips in the denture that need repair.
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Contact your dentist immediately.
If you experience discomfort while wearing dentures or notice any damage, contact your dentist immediately. They will advise you on how to proceed and may recommend a denture repair or replacement if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to sleep with dentures, it is generally not recommended due to potential oral health issues. To maintain good oral hygiene and prevent denture-related problems, removing your dentures at night is best. If you still choose to sleep with dentures, follow the safety tips provided and explore alternative options such as implant-supported dentures or dental bridges.
8. FAQs
Q1: How long should I wear my dentures during the day?
A1: It’s generally recommended to wear dentures throughout the day and remove them at night to give your gums a chance to rest.
Q2: Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
A2: No, avoid using regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive for dentures. Use a denture cleanser or mild soap instead.
Q3: How often should I visit my dentist for denture adjustments?
A3: It’s recommended to visit your dentist at least once a year for denture adjustments or if you experience discomfort or changes in fit.
Q4: How long do dentures last?
A4: Dentures typically last 5 to 10 years, depending on the material, care, and changes in your mouth’s shape.
Q5: Can I eat and drink with dentures?
A5: Yes, you can eat and drink with dentures, but getting used to them may take some time. Start with soft foods and gradually progress to harder foods as you become more comfortable.
