Dentures help transform the smiles of people who lost multiple teeth for various reasons. Unlike permanent dental replacement options, like implants, most dentures are removable and require a different cleaning process than natural teeth. For instance, you're supposed to remove them before bed and soak them in water or a cleaning solution. So, what happens if you leave your replacement teeth in your mouth overnight? Learn more about this common question below. 

Why You Shouldn't Wear Your Dentures Overnight

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Your mouth has lots of oral bacteria that help break down food particles. However, too much bacteria and food remnants can cause your teeth to develop plaque, a sticky film full of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay. Wearing dentures for too long can cause plaque to form in your mouth and on your replacement teeth, potentially leading to gum disease, oral thrush, bad breath, and other problems. It's best to remove them nightly, brush the teeth with a special denture brush and soak them overnight. Following this process ensures your dentures are comfortable to wear the next day, and it gives you a chance to care for your oral hygiene. 

2. Resorption

Resorption is a problem many people experience when they lose one or more teeth. Without a tooth root to stimulate jawbone growth, the bone density will decrease over time. The remaining natural teeth will begin to shift, and you'll notice changes in your face. Wearing dentures may slow the bone loss, but they won't stop it. However, wearing the replacement teeth for too long can worsen the problem by causing premature resorption. The best way to address this issue is to give yourself a break by taking the dentures out each night before bedtime. 

3. Gum Inflammation & Discomfort

Plaque buildup on your dentures from wearing them for too long promotes the development of gum disease, but that's not the only way to get inflamed gums. Sleeping in dentures also blocks the natural flow of saliva and causes denture stomatitis. The condition is a form of oral thrush that inflames and irritates the areas under the dentures. Denture stomatitis is painful and makes it uncomfortable to wear your dentures. 

If you're ready to replace your missing teeth with natural-looking dentures, turn to Flathead Denture in Columbia Falls, MT. Since 2012, this company's knowledgeable, compassionate staff has helped patients transform their smiles with cosmetic dentures, including partial dentures and full sets. Their services also include denture repairs, alignments, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Call (406) 892-0700 or visit them online to make an appointment.