Wear Dentures While Sleeping? This Dentist Says STOP NOW!

Once you’ve lost teeth and replaced them, it can be hard to let your teeth go again—even if it’s just while you sleep. Whatever the reason, if you’re wearing your dentures to bed, please stop! Even though you just worked hard alongside your dentist to replace your missing teeth, you could be causing more dental and severe health issues down the road.

Consequences of Sleeping with Dentures

Pneumonia

Little do you know, sleeping with your dentures in your mouth can have serious health consequences. A recent study was published in the Journal of Dental Research, stating that nursing home residents who wore their dentures while sleeping were almost 3 times more likely to be hospitalized or even die of pneumonia.

But how can a patient develop a lung infection from wearing dentures? Pneumonia-causing bacteria can move from the mouth to the lungs by simply breathing at night. When dentures aren’t taken out, they can become a breeding ground for bad bacteria to enter your system.

Denture Stomatitis

This may sound a bit confusing if you’ve never heard of it before, but denture stomatitis can be an uncomfortable condition to face. This condition is characterized by a red, inflamed roof of the mouth that’s been infected by dental bacteria. The best way to avoid this from happening is to always take your dentures out before you lay down for the night.

Get the Most Out of Your Dentures

When you choose to replace your teeth, your goal was to improve the overall quality of life. Your dentist worked alongside you to create custom dental prosthetics that would improve the way you spoke, ate, and most importantly—how you perceive yourself. Instead of declining your health from overusing your dentures, get the most out of your dentures.

Promote good oral health by taking your dentures out at night and sticking to a good daily oral hygiene:

• Remove and rinse your dentures after every meal.
• Brush your dentures at least once a day with a soft toothbrush or denture brush and dish soap, liquid antibacterial soap, or denture cleanser (but don’t use toothpaste—it’s too abrasive).
• Store your dentures in water or a solution made for this purpose.
• Brush your gums and tongue every day with a soft toothbrush (not the same one you clean your dentures with).
• Rinse your dentures in clean water before you place them back in your mouth.

If you would like more information about dental hygiene and denture care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for the best assistance.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo has lived in Homer Glen for more than 20 years, serving his local patients for years. In continued pursuit of perfecting the art of dentistry, Dr. DeAngleo has unmatched experience that can definitely help if you have dentures or need denture care. If you would like to meet Dr. DeAngleo during a scheduled appointment, feel free to call (708) 301-3111.