When patients start using their wearing dentures, the self-confidence boost they receive is so strong that they might even want to wear them to bed! Some people don’t want to take them out because it ruins the spark in their love life, others just feel more comfortable wearing them at all times, while some think it’s the best way to become accustomed to them. However, there are a few things to consider if you’re in any of these situations. If for some reason or another you’re wondering if you can sleep with your dentures near you, you’ve come to the right place. We have the answer for you in this article.
It’s a personal choice
After receiving your dentures in South Tampa, you should talk to your dental professional about your preference. They will provide helpful advice to make an informed decision. Although, it’s recommended patients remove their dentures overnight to allow the gums to rest. Nevertheless, if the patient is disciplined enough to practice good oral hygiene, going to bed with dentures shouldn’t be a problem.
Your gums need rest
Your dentist in South Tampa will explain to you the risks that you can face if you decide to wear dentures 24/7. Initially, it’s extremely important for you to adapt to the dentures and wear them as much as possible. However, taking them out at night is necessary to allow the tissue of your gums to rest otherwise they can become irritated and sore. In addition, you could develop a condition called bone reabsorption. Reabsorption can develop when the gums are under too much pressure due to dentures, which accelerates bone loss. This decrease in volume and density changes the structural support of the dentures, making them loose. When dentures lose their fit they become very uncomfortable to wear, not to mention the problems it causes for eating and speaking.
Bone loss can also change your appearance, giving you a sunken look. The modifications of your facial structure can cause you to appear older than you really are. So, you need to consider if that’s something you’re willing to deal with in the future.
Risks to your health
There is another thing to worry about when sleeping with dentures. If you happen to have partial dentures, bear in mind they could dislodge while you’re sleeping which puts you at risk of choking. Ask a dentist near you about your specific type of denture and the risk of choking if this is something that concerns you.
Oral hygiene is always key
No matter what you decide, your oral hygiene needs to be meticulous when you’re wearing dentures in South Tampa. If you don’t clean your dentures properly, they can accumulate harmful fungi or bacteria that can compromise your oral health. You could suffer from halitosis, gum disease, and gum infections. For this reason, it’s recommended you clean your dentures twice a day. Ideally, you should soak them overnight with a denture cleanser and warm water to remove plaque that you couldn’t reach with your brush. If you still want to sleep with your dentures, at least soak them overnight once in a while to give them a deep clean.
The benefit of sleeping with dentures
Aside from raising your confidence levels, there could be a positive effect of sleeping with your dentures near you. In some patients, it might prevent obstructive sleep apnea, which is a breathing condition that occurs while the person is asleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea and you have a dental office in South Tampa that provides dentures near you, ask them about this scenario to learn more.