Why Can’t I Wear My Dentures 24/7?

Dentures are a popular way to replace lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that allow you to present a gorgeous smile, and these devices are so remarkably comfortable that you might be tempted to continuously wear them for days. Unfortunately, this will lead to unsightly and nasty-smelling accumulations of plaque and food debris and set you up for a host of unpleasant oral health problems. Here’s a quick look at how wearing your dentures continuously can hurt you and how you can keep your appliance clean and your mouth healthy.

What’s So Bad About Continuous Denture Wear?

It’s important to go without wearing your dentures for at least eight hours every day so your mouth has time to rest and clean itself. Neglecting to take this necessary daily break from denture wear will allow plaque and food debris to accumulate between the appliance and the gums, which leads to bad breath and soft tissue irritation. To make matters worse, continuous denture wear will also reduce circulation in your gums, which will make it easier for you to develop painful and destructive oral infections.

How Can I Keep My Dentures Clean?

Since it’s necessary to go without your dentures for eight hours daily, most patients remove and soak them before they go to bed. This way, their mouths will get the rest they need when they sleep and they’ll be ready to reinsert their appliances when they are ready to begin the next day. When you are not wearing your dentures, soak them in lukewarm water or an approved soaking solution to keep them from drying out and warping.

It’s equally crucial to treat your dentures to a thorough cleaning session at least once daily. To do this, begin by filling the basin of your sink with lukewarm water and placing folded towels across your countertop to create a cushion in case you drop them. Then, remove your dentures and carefully brush each of their surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an approved cleaning agent such as mild dish soap or unscented hand soap. You’ll also need to floss between each pair of artificial teeth. If you aren’t wearing your dentures immediately after cleaning them, soak them in a glass with lukewarm water or denture soaking solution.

It’s important to remember to never use hot or cold water when cleaning your dentures since these can cause your appliance to warp. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your dentures in good shape.

About the Practice

On Point Dentistry offers the best oral healthcare in Frisco. Led by Drs. Marco Caballeros and Carlos Parra, the staff treats each patient with compassion and courtesy while maintaining a welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about proper denture care, contact the office online or dial (469) 476-4092.