How Long Should You Wear a Denture?

Having the most comfortable denture experience and getting the most extended life out of your denture requires your denture and gum tissue to be adequately cared for. We will go over how long to wear dentures daily, why and when to remove them, and how to soak them.

How Long Should You Wear Dentures?

Dentures are designed to be worn during the day; most advise removing them at night. It is best to give your tissues a rest without the denture once every 24-hour period. This timeframe allows you to go about your daily activities without inconvenience, ensuring that your speech, chewing ability, and appearance are not compromised.

Removing your dentures at night gives your gums and jawbone a chance to relax from the pressure of wearing them throughout the day, and allows your gums and roof of mouth to air out.

Why Should You Take Your Dentures Out?

Removing your dentures at night is crucial for several reasons:

Oral Hygiene

It provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean your dentures, removing food particles and plaque that can lead to bad breath, gum disease, or even more severe health issues if ignored.

Gum Health

Constant pressure on the gums and jawbone can lead to soreness, and irritation. Giving your mouth a rest helps prevent these complications.

Circulation

Removing dentures allows regular stimulation and circulation in the gum tissues, helping to maintain tissue health.

Thrush

Denture wearers who never take out their dentures commonly develop thrush, a fungal infection like athlete's foot. It is commonly on the roof of the mouth as a white cheesy-like substance and may cause the tissue to feel raw.

This infection is significantly prevented by allowing your tissue to rest. Never taking out your denture is like never taking off your socks.

What Should You Soak Your Denture In?

When you take your dentures out, it is essential to keep them in liquid to prevent the denture from drying out and becoming misshapen. It is also an excellent opportunity to cleanse your denture.

What should you soak your denture in:

Denture Cleansing Solution

Numerous commercially available denture soaks are specifically designed to clean dentures. These solutions can help remove stains, plaque, and bacteria. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Water

If you prefer not to use a commercial soaking solution, you can soak your dentures in cool or tepid water overnight.

This is particularly important for dentures with metal components, as some soaking solutions can tarnish the metal. However, water won't provide the same level of disinfection as a soaking solution.

Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is effective as a natural cleaning solution for removing stains and scale.

It is essential never to use hot water for soaking, as it can warp the dentures, affecting their fit. Also, ensure your dentures are completely submerged to prevent them from drying out and losing shape.

Salem MA We Specialize in Dentures

By removing dentures nightly, and soaking them in an appropriate solution, you can ensure your dentures remain in top condition for years to come and your tissue stays healthy.

Remember, alongside these care tips, regular check-ups with your dental professional are essential as dentures likely need to be adjusted over time.

If you have any concerns about your dentures or oral health, we are a prosthodontic dental office in Salem, MA, specializing in dentures and dental implants. Don't hesitate to contact our dental office for a consultation.