At the end of a busy day, you may be worn out to the point where you are tempted to skip some portions of your nightly routine. For example, you might think about setting your dentures on your nightstand or even leaving them in your mouth until the next morning. Either of those actions would be unwise. Why should you make it a habit to soak your dentures overnight? This blog post explains three key reasons.
Soaking Is One of the Best Ways to Clean Your Dentures
Your mouth is inhabited by countless bacteria. Unfortunately, some of them are harmful. They could accumulate on your dentures and your gums. If enough of them collect together, your prosthesis could begin to smell and taste bad. It could also lose its original color.
Brushing can get rid of some bacteria, but it is not enough to thoroughly clean your denture. Soaking your denture in a cleansing solution, on the other hand, can get rid of up to 99.9% of bacteria, leaving you with a fresh and clean smile to start each morning.
Your Gums Need a Rest
Dentures are not meant to be worn around the clock. Keeping them in your mouth overnight could lead to a number of problems. For example, you would increase your risk of oral infections, bothersome sores, and odorous breath. Additionally, the constant pressure on your gums and jaw could contribute to accelerated bone loss.
When you remove your dentures each night to give them a soak, you give your gums and jawbone a chance to rest up so you will be able to take on another long day of speaking, smiling, and eating with your prosthetic teeth.
You Can Protect Your Dentures from Damage
Some people are diligent about taking their denture out of their mouth each night. However, instead of soaking it, they leave it out in the open, such as on their nightstand or bathroom counter.
It is important to note that leaving your denture exposed to dry air for a long period of time could harm it. Dentures thrive in a moist environment. If they are allowed to dry out, they could lose their shape, leading to problems with the way they fit. They might even become so warped that they are no longer usable.
Soaking your dentures each night is a habit that should never be neglected! Use the information in this article to motivate you to take great care of your prosthetic.
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Newington is home to a large team of general dentists and specialists, all of whom are eager to serve patients with empathy and compassion. If you have questions about how to care for your denture, or you are just starting your tooth replacement journey, we would be happy to guide you on your next steps. Get in touch with our office at 860-856-6201.