Dentures can give people with missing teeth a new lease on life. Today’s prosthetics are more comfortable, natural-looking, and durable than ones from even 10 years ago. They feel so good that many patients believe they don’t need to take them out, ever. Despite this, dentures should still be removed daily. Why? In short, it can help someone avoid big problems both with their dentures and mouth in the long term.
Reason #1: Give Your Gums a Break
The most personalized and well-fitting denture still places pressure on the gums, whether someone is speaking, eating, smiling, or even sleeping. This is true if it’s held in place with metal clasps, natural suction, or dental implants. Removing the denture (especially before bed) increases circulation to these soft tissues, which drastically lowers the risk for developing sores and infections.
Reason #2: A Deep Clean
A simple fact is that you can’t clean the underside of a denture if it’s in your mouth all the time. This can allow for a buildup of bacteria and plaque that leads to gum disease, recession, and potentially bone loss. Taking out a denture to brush every part of it not only safeguards your health, but also goes a long way to keep your breath fresh!
Reason #3: Different Strokes
Dentures require their own dedicated hygiene routine compared to natural teeth. A regular toothbrush and toothpaste are too abrasive for even the highest quality denture. They can create thousands of micro-scratches where bacteria can gather. Plus, this creates more surface area for staining pigments to accumulate, which can cause the prosthetic teeth to discolor faster.
Ideally, a person should clean their denture with a soft-bristle brush and a dedicated denture toothpaste that won’t accidentally damage it.
When Should You Take Out Your Denture?
- You should remove your denture and rinse it after every meal or snack with cool or lukewarm (but never hot) water.
- Just like your real teeth, you should brush your denture once in the morning and evening before bed, removing it while doing so.
- You should sleep without your denture so your gums have a chance to rest throughout the night.
- Taking out your denture also allows your dentist to give it a look at your six-month checkups and cleanings. They’ll be able to spot the early signs of potential problems so they can be addressed before something more noticeable develops.
Standing the Test of Time
Knowing when to take out your denture can give you a brighter smile, a healthier mouth, as well as a longer-lasting prosthetic that requires fewer repairs and replacements over the years. This can save hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars in dental care costs, as well as give you peace of mind with every bite and smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ariel Steinberger (“Dr. Ariel”) is a highly accomplished restorative and cosmetic dentist in Massapequa Park. A standout graduate from the Touro College of Dental Medicine and handpicked protégé of our practice’s founder, Dr. Allan Mohr (one of the most respected dentists in the country), he combines his innate compassion with exceptional clinical skill and an eye for detail.
If you’re ready to live life with a full smile again, or you want to upgrade your current denture so it fits and looks exactly how you want, Dr. Ariel can make it happen—just click here to book an appointment online or call our office at (516) 788-6986.