If you are new to dentures, you may be excited about having a full smile once again while being able to eat foods a bit more easily. You may be tempted to never take them out, after all, you want to enjoy their benefits 24/7. However, as comfortable as they may be, you should make sure you remove this prosthetic during the night. Here are three reasons why not doing so can cause problems.
1.) Increased Jawbone Loss
When you are missing teeth, you are more likely to experience jawbone loss. That’s because there aren’t any roots to stimulate your jaw when you bite and chew. However, dentures can help slow this natural process with the pressure they offer while they sit on your gums.
That being said, wearing them all day and night can actually do the opposite. The constant friction can weaken the bone over time, so the fit of your prosthetic can change. This can cause slippage or make wearing it uncomfortable.
2.) Higher Chance of Gum Disease
As was mentioned above, dentures are molded to you specifically. They are customized to your mouth, creating a suction that allows them to stay snug and in place. While this helps you bite into a wider range of food, it slightly reduces circulation to your gums.
This normally isn’t an issue when you take your prosthetic out during the night, but it can be if not! You may inadvertently be preventing the delivery of necessary nutrients to keep your gums healthy. Without it, you may be at a higher risk of gum disease.
3.) Increased Risk of Denture Stomatitis
By not taking out your dentures, you also risk bacteria building up underneath. That’s because you can’t effectively clean that part of your prosthetic while they are in. As germs and yeast accumulate, you can end up developing denture stomatitis.
This is a type of thrush that causes noticeable redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation. Over time, it can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections in your gums as well.
In the end, everything above can be avoided by simply taking out your dentures while you sleep. Wearing them 24/7 may seem like a good idea, but give them a good scrubbing and let them soak while you sleep; that way, you can keep your full smile the best it can be for years to come.
About the Practice
At Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Torin Marracino and Dr. Nick Cockerell. We are here to help the Texarkana community rebuild their grins with reliable tooth replacement options like dentures. By customizing your prosthetic to you, we can help make sure it’s comfortable and natural-looking. If you want to know how you can better care for this type of restoration, schedule an appointment or call our office at (903) 838-9700.