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Can You Sleep with Dentures?

Dentures are an important part of many people’s lives. They can help you eat and speak better, and they can improve your appearance.

But what about sleeping with dentures in? Is it safe?

There are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your dentures don’t cause any problems.

Can you sleep with your dentures in?

No, you should not sleep with your dentures in your mouth. Sleeping with your dentures in can cause a higher risk of illnesses such as pneumonia and oral health issues such as gum and tongue plaque and gum inflammation even if you clean your dentures on a regular basis to avoid a buildup of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is best to take your dentures out at night and give your gums a rest.

(By the way if you have implant dentures, it is safe to sleep with them of course.)

It is like when you first get braces you may feel some discomfort, to help with this, you can use dental wax at night. This will help keep your braces from irritating your cheeks and gums, allowing you to get a good night’s rest.

What happens if you sleep with dentures?

Sleeping with dentures in your mouth can have various negative effects on your oral health. Bacteria and fungus can build up on your dentures and if left in your mouth for an extended period of time, it can lead to infection and gum disease.

Additionally, if the dentures are ill-fitting they can cause irritation, sores, and inflammation. Moreover, dentures can obstruct breathing and may even cause you to choke if you have partial dentures. It is recommended to remove dentures before sleeping and to brush and clean them as well as your gums to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungi.

Let’s see it detailed.

What are the disadvantages of sleeping with dentures?

1. Bacteria Growth and Infection

Sleeping with dentures increases the risk of bacteria growth and infection due to the saliva build-up in the mouth, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This built-up saliva can make its way into the lungs and cause pneumonia. Wearing dentures at night also makes it more difficult to practice good oral hygiene habits, which can lead to

proliferation of dangerous bacteria
development of complications such asCandida albicans colonisation,
oral inflammation,
microbial burden in the mouth.

In addition, saliva production during sleep is often reduced, which can lead to the development of stomatitis, an infection that impacts the gums and tissue underneath the denture plate. To avoid these risks, it is important to remove dentures before sleeping and care for them properly.

2. Increased Chance of Jawbone Degeneration

Sleeping with dentures can lead to bone degeneration of the jaw due to increased pressure on the gumline and bone underneath it. This increased pressure causes the body to start reabsorbing the bone, gradually decreasing the bone volume and reducing the support for the dentures.

Furthermore, bone loss can also cause the lips and cheeks to look less full which can affect one’s appearance. When the dentures are kept in 24/7, the reabsorption process is further accelerated and the dentures can become loose and no longer fit correctly, making it difficult to chew and leading to more teeth falling out.

3. Difficulty in Sleeping

Sleeping with dentures can present a variety of difficulties, including hygiene, infection prevention. Dentures can cause discomfort and irritation if they’re not fitted properly and come loose when you are sleeping, and you may have a harder time breathing at night with your dentures in.

4. Potential for Injury When Falling Asleep

The risks of falling asleep with dentures include choking, hygiene problems, infection, discomfort, and a decrease in your breathability. Additionally, partial dentures can be more likely to dislodge and block your airway or be swallowed, creating a choking hazard. Furthermore, wearing dentures to sleep might lead to an increase in other oral health problems and a higher Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).

5. Reduced Oral Health, Pneumonia

Sleeping with dentures can have a negative effect on oral health. Poor denture care can lead to gum disease, inflammation, and even life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, especially in the elderly.

Wearing dentures 24/7 can result in bacteria buildup in the mouth, potentially leading to canker sores, ulcers, and extreme inflammation. It is therefore important to remove them every night and follow the care instructions of your denturist.

6. Sleep apnea symptoms may worsen

For those with sleep apnea, wearing dentures while sleeping can be beneficial for some, but worse for a minority of patients; a dentist should monitor the patient’s response to this treatment.

If a patient opts for removable dentures and leaves them out at night, their sleep apnea symptoms may worsen.

Wearing dentures to sleep may not be beneficial for everyone, as a specialized sleep apnea dentist needs to fit them properly for those with sleep apnea.

7. Increased Chance of Gum Disease

Sleeping with dentures can increase the chance of gum disease due to the decrease in salivary flow in the evening. This decrease in salivary flow allows for plaque, bacteria, and fungi to build up underneath the denture plate, which can cause gum infections, thrush, and inflammation.

Without proper cleaning and care, the bacteria and fungi can cause stomatitis, a fungal infection that affects the gums and tissue underneath the denture plate. Symptoms of stomatitis include redness and inflammation of the gums, cracking at the corners of the mouth, and sores.

What are the benefits of sleeping with dentures?

Sleeping with dentures can not provide health benefits. It only can help wity our ego, to improve your confidence with your partner, and it can help prevent obstructive sleep apnea in special cases.

Improved confidence
Less stress and anxiety about forgetting to take your dentures out
Can help prevent obstructive sleep apnea in some patients
Improved quality of life with your partner
Save money on denture cleaner and washes
Comfort and ease of use

How to make sure you sleep comfortably with dentures?

Step 1: Use nightguards

When considering a sleep guard for dentures, there are several features to look for. Hygiene is one of the most important factors when deciding which sleep guard is right for you. The sleep guard should be made with materials that are safe for your mouth and resistant to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Safety is also an important factor to consider when looking for a sleep guard for dentures. Make sure that the sleep guard is designed to stay in place securely and to prevent dentures from shifting or falling out.

Aesthetics are also important when choosing a sleep guard for dentures. You want to make sure that you have a guard that looks good, while still maintaining its effectiveness. It should also be comfortable in your mouth and not cause any undue strain. Infection prevention is also important.

It should be taken into consideration when selecting a sleep guard that it can’t be used if you have full dentures only if you have partial dentures.

Step 2: Follow proper tooth care instructions

What are the proper tooth care instructions for sleeping with dentures?

Remove your dentures every night to rest your mouth and gums and prevent infection.
Clean your dentures with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Do not use regular toothpaste as this will damage the denture surface.
Soak your dentures in a denture cleanser or warm water for at least 30 minutes to disinfect them and remove any bacteria.
Gently brush your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth to remove plaque and bacteria and keep your tissues healthy.
Rinse and brush your dentures in the morning before you put them in.
When handling your dentures, do so over a soft hand towel or basin of water to prevent them from breaking.
Keep your dentures moist at all times to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Have regular denture checks to monitor your oral health and the integrity of your denture.

Step 3: Maintain good oral hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for having a comfortable sleep with dentures. By brushing your dentures with a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner every day, and soaking them in a denture cleanser to disinfect them, you can ensure your dentures are clean and free of harmful bacteria.

Additionally, removing your dentures overnight and giving your mouth and gums time to rest can prevent infection and inflammation. Finally, seeing a dentist regularly will ensure any necessary adjustments are made and any chips, cracks, or bends are identified and treated before they become more serious.

Step 4: Keep track of any symptoms associated with wearing dentures

When sleeping with dentures, there are several symptoms to watch for that may indicate the need for a new fitting or that the dentures need to be removed overnight. These symptoms include:

Pain or discomfort while wearing the dentures
Difficulty speaking or chewing
Loose or ill-fitting dentures
Gagging, choking, or difficulty swallowing
Bad breath
Changes in taste
Irritation, inflammation, or redness on the gums or soft tissues
Development of sores or ulcers
Development of dry mouth
Unusual drooling or excessive saliva
Jaw pain or soreness
Difficulty fitting dentures in the mouth
Jaw bone shrinkage or changes in shape over time
Tooth decay or gum disease

FAQs

Is it safe to sleep with dentures in your mouth?

The short answer is “no”, but there are some important considerations when it comes to this issue. Dentures can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to bad breath and other oral health problems. It is important to note that sleeping with dentures can cause pressure points and cause resorption, which leads to a gradual decrease in bone volume and density.

Therefore, it is best to take your dentures out at night, give your mouth a break, and practice good oral hygiene to avoid any potential health risks.

Can dentures cause gum inflammation or infection?

Yes, dentures can cause gum inflammation or infection. Wearing dentures results in a buildup of bacteria in the mouth which can lead to canker sores, ulcers, and stomatitis, an inflammation of the mouth and teeth and falling asleep with tooth pain is not a nicew thing, belive me.

What is the best way to store false teeth overnight?

The best way to store false teeth overnight is to take them out of your mouth and clean them using a brush. Then, soak them in warm (not hot) water for the night. This helps to remove any plaque or bacteria that has built up, and it also prevents the dentures from drying out.

In the morning, rinse the dentures off before putting them back in your mouth. If you have immediate or temporary dentures, you should still remove them and soak them overnight, but you may need to rinse them off every couple of days on the advice of your oral practitioner. This will help to freshen up your mouth and keep the false teeth in good condition.

Can you sleep in your dentures for one night?

Yes, it is possible to sleep with your dentures in occasionally if you take the right steps. We recommend never wearing dentures for more than a full day at a time. To wear your dentures at night, make sure to clean them like you would before you go to bed, but do it before you decide to wear them during the day. This will help stop the bacterial buildup that occurs during the day and give your mouth a break from wearing upper dentures.

If you forget to take your dentures out at night just one time, it will most likely not be an issue. However, sleeping with your dentures in regularly can cause problems over time, such as an increased risk of infection and gum disease.

How many hours a day should you wear your dentures?

It is generally recommended that you wear your dentures for around 8-12 hours a day, with a break of 6-8 hours during which time you should remove them and give them (and your gums) a rest. When you first get your false teeth, your dentist may recommend that you wear them for a full twenty-four hours before removing them so that they can act as a bandage for teeth that were removed.

After that, you should make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and remove your dentures for at least 6 hours a day, usually during the hours when you are sleeping. This allows your gums to relax and heal, and also gives your dentures a chance to be cleaned and sanitized.

Is it OK to wear dentures 24 7?

While it is possible to wear dentures at night, it is not recommended. Wearing dentures for extended periods of time can cause soreness in your mouth, as well as lead to bone reabsorption. Bone reabsorption occurs when the gums are under too much pressure from the dentures, leading to bone loss and a decrease in the structural support of the false teeth. This can cause the dentures to become loose and uncomfortable to wear, making it difficult to eat and speak.

Additionally, it can change your facial structure (just like some sleeping positions affect the shape of your face), giving you a sunken look. Therefore, if you must wear your dentures at night, make sure to take extra care in cleaning them during the day time, and take them out during the day to give your mouth a break.

The only time you should sleep with your dentures in is at the request of your dentist.

What should you do with your dentures before bed?

Prepare your bathroom, fill the sink up with warm water, and place a rolled-up towel on the edge of the sink. If you’re worried about your dentures falling or breaking, lay another towel on the floor, gargle with warm water, remove your dentures, clean them, and store your dentures in liquid denture cleanser or water while sleeping.

What if you feel better sleeping with your dentures in?

Sleeping with dentures in can have both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health. On one hand, sleeping with dentures in can help prevent obstructive sleep apnea in some patients. On the other hand, sleeping with false teeth in can also lead to increased risk of diseases and illnesses, such as pneumonia, and can cause issues with oral hygiene. It can also lead to gum inflammation, gum and tongue plaque, and a higher risk of oral bacteria and fungi.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider the potential health implications of sleeping with dentures in. Taking them out at night can help ensure better oral health and hygiene, as well as preserving the fit and function of the dentures.

When should you sleep with your dentures in?

Consult your dentist to determine if it’s appropriate to sleep with your dentures in.
If approved, wear your dentures for the first 24 hours so they can act as a bandage for teeth that were removed.
You can wear it ocassionally but not every night
Take your dentures out at night to give your gums a chance to rest and to allow for thorough cleaning.

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lezt

Lez Taylor, Founder and CEO of Corala Blanket.
She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.

Can You Sleep with Dentures in Your Mouth? The [Complete] Guide