After a long and tiring day, have you ever been tempted to skip some parts of your nightly routine? For example, you might want to set your dentures on your nightstand or simply leave them in your mouth instead of soaking them. Either of those courses of action would be unwise. Why is it so important to soak your dentures overnight? Continue reading to discover three important reasons.
Soaking Is One of the Best Ways to Clean Your Dentures
At any given moment, countless bacteria are in your mouth. Some of them are harmless, and many of them are helpful. However, some can cause trouble. They may collect on your dentures and accumulate on your gums. They can even sneak into the tiny pores in your dentures. As a result, your prosthetic may begin to smell and taste unpleasant. It could also become discolored.
When you soak your denture overnight in a high-quality cleaning solution, it can kill up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria. This good habit could help you to enjoy a clean and fresh smile every day!
Your Gums Need a Rest
Dentures are not designed to be worn around the clock. If you kept them in your mouth overnight, you might run into a number of problems. For example, you would be at a greater risk of oral infections, painful sores, and bad breath. Plus, the constant pressure on your jaw could lead to accelerated bone loss.
By removing your dentures each night to give them a long soak, you give your oral tissues some time to breathe and rest before another long day of smiling, speaking, and eating with your prosthetic.
You Can Protect Your Dentures from Damage
Some individuals take their denture out of their mouth every night, but instead of soaking it, they leave it out in the open somewhere. For example, they might place it on the bathroom counter or on the nightstand next to their bed.
Unfortunately, allowing your denture to be exposed to dry air for a long period of time could damage it. Dentures are designed to thrive in a moist environment. If they dry out, their shape could change, and they could start to feel very uncomfortable in your mouth. They could even become warped to the point where they are no longer usable.
Soaking your dentures each night is important! The information in this article can motivate you to stick to good habits that will benefit both your oral health and your prosthetic teeth.
Meet the Practice
At Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut, we are pleased to offer a full range of oral health services to our community. If you have any questions about how to care for your denture, or if you are in the process of weighing your tooth replacement options, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our East Hartford team at 860-288-5786.