When you step into the world of dentures, you may be excited about getting your full smile back. Since they were molded to your mouth, you might even enjoy how comfortable they are as well. This prosthetic helps you feel more confident that you might even wear them all day and night to revel in it. However, keeping them in 24/7 can actually be a bad idea. Here are three ways to better understand why to take them out at night.
1.) Higher Risk of Gum Disease
As was mentioned above, dentures are customized to fit in your mouth. This helps create a suction that holds them in place while you eat, but it can reduce circulation to your gums. This generally isn’t a problem, as proper maintenance of them means taking them out and soaking them while you sleep.
However, by leaving them in, you prevent necessary nutrients from being delivered to the soft tissues. Not only that, but you won’t be able to clean underneath your prosthetic as well, causing a buildup of bacteria as well. Both these can leave you at a higher risk of gum disease.
2.) Increased Chance of Denture Stomatitis
Denture stomatitis is a type of thrush that causes plenty of discomfort. Some symptoms of it are a burning sensation in your gums, inflammation, and noticeable redness. It can even weaken your immune system, so your body will have a harder time fighting off infections in your mouth.
This condition is caused by a buildup of bacteria and yeast. These can thrive in dark, moist environments, so cleaning underneath your prosthetic is crucial to avoid any problems. That way, they stay comfortable in the long run.
3.) Quicker Jawbone Loss
Missing teeth are often associated with jawbone loss. That’s because there are no tooth roots to stimulate your jaw anymore. Your body will start to take the minerals in it to use elsewhere. It’s a natural process, but this can lead to facial collapse, which makes you develop more wrinkles and sunken cheeks.
Thankfully, dentures help slow down this process as some pressure gets sent through your gums to the bone underneath, but constantly wearing them can be bad. The friction can actually weaken your jaw. The fit of the prosthetic may change more quickly, leading to slippage or making them uncomfortable.
In the end, building a habit of taking your dentures out at night can be beneficial. Remember these three complications that can happen if not; that way, you can feel your best knowing your full smile is staying as healthy as it deserves to be for the long run.
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Chicago, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are proud to offer dentures to the local community, giving them confident grins once again. By customizing your prosthetic, we can help it feel comfortable and look entirely natural. If you need more tips about caring for your restoration, schedule an appointment or call our office at (773) 646-6262.