If you wear dentures, you may wonder whether you need to take them out before bed. After all, if your dentures feel comfortable during the day, it can seem natural to leave them in overnight. In most cases, however, it’s best to remove your dentures while you sleep. Giving your gums and the tissues underneath your dentures a break each night can help support better oral health and make it easier to keep your dentures clean.
At Quality Dentures of Fredericksburg, we keep our patients informed and provide the resources they need for a safe, comfortable denture journey. Here’s what denture wearers should know about sleeping with dentures and how to care for them overnight.
Is It Safe to Sleep With Dentures?
While occasionally falling asleep with your dentures in is unlikely to cause a serious problem, regularly wearing dentures overnight is generally not recommended. Your gums and oral tissues need time without the pressure and coverage of dentures. Wearing dentures continuously can create an environment where bacteria and fungi can build up more easily. It may also increase the risk of gum irritation and other oral health problems.
Taking your dentures out at night gives your mouth time to rest and allows you to properly clean both your mouth and your dentures.
Your Gums Need a Break
Dentures rest directly against your gums and other oral tissues. Even well-fitting dentures put some pressure on these areas throughout the day. Removing them overnight gives your gums a chance to rest. This can be particularly important if you’ve noticed tenderness, redness, or sore spots while wearing your dentures.
It Helps Keep Your Mouth Cleaner
Dentures can collect food particles, plaque, and bacteria during the day. If they’re left in overnight without being properly cleaned, this buildup can continue. Removing your dentures allows you to clean the appliances thoroughly while also brushing your natural teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
It May Reduce the Risk of Irritation
A denture that doesn’t fit properly can rub against your gums and cause irritation. Wearing it continuously may make the problem worse. If you regularly experience sore spots or discomfort, don’t simply sleep without removing your dentures and hope the problem goes away. Your dentures may need professional adjustment, a reline, or replacement.
It Gives Your Mouth Time to Recover
Your mouth is working throughout the day when you’re eating, talking, and wearing your dentures. Removing your dentures overnight gives your oral tissues several hours without the pressure of the appliance. This can be especially helpful for people who wear dentures for many hours each day.
How Should You Store Dentures Overnight?
- Once you remove your dentures, it’s important to store them properly.
- Start by rinsing them and cleaning them according to your denture specialist’s recommendations. You can use a denture brush and an appropriate denture-cleaning product to remove buildup.
- When you’re finished cleaning them, place your dentures in a container with the appropriate soaking solution or water, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid using hot or boiling water. Excessive heat can potentially change the shape of some denture materials and affect their fit.
- Keep your dentures somewhere safe where they won’t accidentally be dropped or damaged.
What About Denture Adhesive?
If you use denture adhesive during the day, removing your dentures at night is also an opportunity to clean away any remaining adhesive from your gums and dentures. Follow the instructions provided with your adhesive product, and avoid using more adhesive than recommended. If you find that you need increasing amounts of adhesive to keep your dentures secure, it’s worth talking with your denture specialist. Changes in your mouth can cause dentures to become loose over time, and an adjustment or reline may provide a better solution.
What If I Accidentally Fall Asleep With My Dentures In?
Don’t panic if you occasionally fall asleep before taking your dentures out. When you wake up, remove your dentures, clean them properly, and clean your mouth as well. If you notice persistent irritation, swelling, discomfort, or other changes, contact your dental or denture provider. If falling asleep with your dentures happens frequently, consider creating a simple nighttime routine. Removing and cleaning your dentures at the same time you brush your natural teeth can make the habit easier to maintain.
When Should You Have Your Dentures Checked?
If your dentures are uncomfortable, frequently slip, cause sore spots, or no longer seem to fit the way they once did, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated. Dentures can change in fit over time because your gums and underlying bone naturally change. A denture reline, adjustment, repair, or replacement may be appropriate depending on the condition of your appliance.
Give Your Dentures a Break
For most denture wearers, removing dentures before bed is a simple habit that can support better oral hygiene and give the gums and oral tissues time to rest. Clean your dentures regularly, store them properly overnight, and pay attention to changes in fit or comfort. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, don’t rely on sleeping with them out as a long-term solution. A professional evaluation can help determine whether they need an adjustment or other treatment.
If you have questions about caring for your dentures or aren’t sure whether they fit properly, give us a call. At Quality Dentures of Fredericksburg, we will give you personalized advice to help you keep your dentures comfortable, functional, and looking their best for as long as possible.