Whether you’ve lost a few or all of your teeth, when some of your permanent teeth go missing, it can have a detrimental effect on your daily quality of life. Tasks that once were so simple you took them for granted, like eating, speaking, and smiling, suddenly are more challenging. Thankfully, dentures are a versatile solution that can rebuild your grin so that you can once again enjoy conversations and meals while preserving your oral health.
Although it can take about a month to adjust to wearing them all day, once you do, you might be so comfortable that you forget you’re wearing them. You might even feel tempted to fall asleep after a long day with them still in your mouth. Many people want to know if it’s okay to wear their artificial teeth 24/7, but it’s generally not recommended. Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why!
Reason #1: Unhealthy Gums
Your prosthetics stay in place by forming a firm suction against your mouth’s ridges. The constant pressure of supporting them can diminish the circulation of blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to the soft tissues. Plus, food particles and unwanted bacteria can get trapped between your restoration and your gums and sit there all day and night if you never remove them.
This leaves you at an increased risk of gum disease because you’re not as able to fight off unhealthy germs. Periodontal problems are the leading cause of tooth loss, and the infection is known to enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body. This can lead to heart problems, diabetes, and other serious conditions.
Reason #2: Denture Stomatitis
The force your prosthetics place on your gums throughout the day can become too much for them to bear if they never get a break. You might develop a condition called denture stomatitis, in which the soft tissues in your mouth become painfully inflamed. The swelling and sensitivity can make it difficult to continue wearing artificial teeth.
This is more likely to occur in people who sleep with their dentures in because their gums never have a chance to heal. Instead, you should take them out to brush them with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap, and then leave them in a glass of water or a special soaking solution overnight.
Reason #3: Accelerated Bone Loss
Did you know that in the first year after losing an adult tooth, your body reabsorbs up to 25% of your jawbone density? The roots of your teeth stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew, but when they go missing, there’s nothing to keep your jaw healthy. It begins to atrophy and can eventually become too thin or flat to support your dentures.
Those who wear their restoration all day and night are more likely to accelerate this bone loss. Unfortunately, the added pressure on their gums and bony ridges only speeds up the process.
Although it’s probably safe to sleep in your dentures every now and then, it’s probably best not to make a regular habit of it!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran provides her patients with a comprehensive array of services to meet all their needs under one roof, including dentures. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland in Baltimore and continues to build her skills with ongoing courses through the world-renowned Pankey Institute. She takes the time to give you her undivided attention so that you know your smile is in good hands. Then, she combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort and increase the accuracy of your treatment results. If you’re considering dentures and want a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (410) 729-9090.