How to care for dentures when not in use

Dentures usually feel strange when you start wearing them, but you soon get used to talking, chewing, and taking care of them. Unlike your natural teeth, dentures are foreign objects that cannot quite duplicate the feel and function of your original teeth. So, you need to be patient as you get used to the sensation.

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Do you have to remove dentures at night?

Many dentists recommend wearing your dentures all the time, at first, including while sleeping so you can adapt to them more quickly. Once you have become accustomed to them, you should start taking them out for 8 out of every 24 hours, usually at night while you sleep, and follow a good cleaning routine.

Should you remove dentures at night?

Denture specialists advice you to remove your dentures at night, especially if you grind your teeth when sleeping. Removing them protects your gums when you grind your teeth, and allows saliva to wash around your mouth to naturally cleanse your gums. This, in turn, helps to reduce the risk of plaque buildup, gum infections, and bad breath. Partial dentures, on the other hand, must always be removed at night since they can damage the remaining teeth and gums if left in place 24 hours a day.

Do dentures have to be removed at night?

In some cases, patients may experience a certain amount of distress from removing dentures. If this occurs, denture specialists recommend that you leave the dentures in even while you sleep, but clean them thoroughly using a very soft-bristled toothbrush. Wet the brush with water and clean your palate and gums lightly at bedtime (with your dentures out) and again the morning when you wake up.

Should you keep dentures in water overnight?

Brushing helps blood to circulate in the gums, keeping your mouth healthy even when wearing dentures 24 hours a day. Whenever you remove your dentures, always put them in water to prevent them from drying out, keep them clean, and increase their longevity. Also, never place dentures in hot water because they will warp and become ill-fitting.

Why remove dentures at night?

Denture specialists’ advice denture wearers to give their gums a 5-8 hour break within a 24 hour period, preferably at night, to improve their oral health. Removing dentures allows saliva to circulate around the gums uninhibited for natural cleaning, which decreases the risk of mouth irritations and prevents infections. During that time, dentures should be soaked to prevent plaque buildup and promote durability.

What should i soak my dentures in at night?

Proper care of your dentures will ensure that they are kept clean and stain-free, and your mouth remains healthy. To ensure good denture care, you should:

Remove and rinse dentures after meals – after eating, you should remove your dentures and run water over them to remove any loose food debris
Take care not to drop your dentures when cleaning as they break easily. You may want to brush them over a sink filled with water, or over a cloth placed on the counter.

Brush your dentures daily – you should handle your dentures the same way you would your teeth by cleaning them in the morning and before sleeping to prevent build-up of plaque, stains, and calculus or tartar. If you stabilize them with denture adhesive, you should clean the grooves that get in contact with your gums thoroughly to remove any remaining adhesive.
When brushing your dentures, use a denture brush and denture paste, soap, or water. It is recommended that you don’t use conventional toothpaste as it is too abrasive and not intended for cleaning dentures.
To maintain dental hygiene, clean your mouth after removing your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush on natural teeth and a soft toothbrush or gauze to clean your tongue, roof of your mouth, and cheeks. Never use denture cleansers to clean your mouth.

Soak your dentures overnight in a suitable denture cleaner or detergent with the necessary chemical action to loosen or remove light stains and deposits. If you can’t soak them daily, do this several times a week as most types need to remain moist to retain their shape.
You should always remove your dentures for 6-8 hours every day since wearing them continuously without allowing your gums “to breathe” can lead to mouth infections.

Do you put dentures in wet or dry?

Always rinse your dentures afterwards before putting them back in your mouth to avoid injuries caused by harmful chemicals in the denture-soaking solution. Also clean your mouth before re-inserting them to help maintain good oral health.

A useful tip for maintaining your dentures is to never rinse or soak them in hot water as doing this can distort their shape and fit. Also visit a dentist at least once a year or when you have a loose fit to avoid sores, infection, or irritation.