After a long day, have you ever been tempted to set your dentures on your nightstand instead of soaking them? Perhaps you even thought about leaving them in your mouth! While it might seem harmless to neglect your dentures’ nightly soak from time to time, there are actually some big reasons why you should never do that. What are those reasons? This blog post explains.
Soaking Is One of the Best Ways to Clean Your Dentures
Dentures have tiny pores, which can easily collect microbes, including harmful bacteria. Over time, those bacteria can multiply and start to cause odors. They may also heighten your risk of oral health problems, such as infections and sores. You could even inhale them and end up with systemic illness! Brushing your dentures can get rid of some bacteria, but it may not be enough to totally clean your prosthetic.
When you soak your dentures in a high-quality cleaning solution, it can get into those pores and kill up to 99.9% of the bacteria inhabiting them. This is a great way to keep your prosthetic teeth clean and maintain a fresh and healthy smile.
Your Gums Need a Rest
Traditional dentures are not made to stay in the mouth around the clock. If you left them in your mouth overnight, you could face a number of complications. For example, bacteria might accumulate beneath your dentures and infect your gums. Additionally, the constant pressure from your prosthetic might lead to painful sores. There is also a chance that you could experience accelerated bone loss in your jaw.
When you take your dentures out of your mouth to soak them overnight, you promote better circulation in your gum tissue and allow it to breathe. This reduces the risk of problems and can help you enjoy a more positive overall experience with dentures.
You Can Preserve Your Dentures’ Shape and Function
Instead of soaking their dentures, some people have made the mistake of placing them out in the open, such as on their nightstand or bathroom countertop. Doing so is unwise because dentures need to be in a moist environment. If they stay dry for too long, they can lose their shape and flexibility. As a result, they may not fit as well and become very uncomfortable to wear. You could end up having to replace your dentures much sooner than you originally planned. Consistently soaking your dentures, on the other hand, helps them to stay as functional as possible for as long as possible.
Soaking your dentures might seem like a chore at times, but it is worth the effort! Try to establish this habit so your smile and your prosthetic can thrive.
Meet the Practice
The oral health experts at Aveni Dental Professionals are proud to provide many oral health services for our community. Whether you are thinking about getting dentures or you have questions about how to care for your prosthetic teeth, we would love to speak with you. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Plymouth, MA, team at 508-876-3381.