How Many Hours Per Day Should I Wear My Dentures?

Dentures are one of the most popular, tried-and-true solutions available when it comes to replacing missing teeth; they’ve assisted generations of patients with compromised smiles and given them a second chance at normal oral functionality. However, even though they’re meant to replace missing teeth, did you know that they aren’t intended to be worn 24/7? Here’s more from your dentist about some of the problems that can arise if you aren’t taking your dentures out often enough, along with some tips for ensuring they continue to serve you well.

Why You Shouldn’t Wear Your Dentures 24/7

It’s worth noting that after you receive dentures, you’ll likely be asked to wear them most of the time for the first few days, even when you sleep. This is to help you adjust to their presence, and as soon as your gums become used to them, you’ll need to start removing them before you go to bed, ideally for six to eight hours per day. There are a few reasons for this:

• The soft tissue that is continually covered by a denture is never exposed to air and can sustain physical damage.
• If you don’t remove your dentures, you’re creating a favorable environment underneath them for bacteria to spawn.
• Constantly wearing dentures can trigger a condition called denture stomatitis, which is characterized by inflammation and a burning sensation. This can weaken the body’s immune system and can increase your chances of getting sick; even pneumonia is a possibility!
• Dentures apply pressure to the gum tissue and bone ridges that support them, which can accelerate bone resorption, a process that results in significantly reduced bone density.
• Patients who wear their dentures too often typically spend less time cleaning them, which can exacerbate oral health issues.

Advice for Keeping Your Dentures Intact

Dentures require a certain level of maintenance on the patient’s end; they don’t replace the need to keep your mouth clean and hygienic, and if you can’t care for them properly, they’ll ultimately degrade and fail you. In order to keep them intact moving forward, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:

• Take your dentures out at nighttime so that you can give your gums a chance to breathe and recuperate from wearing them during the day. This will reduce the amount of discomfort you experience—plus it’s the perfect opportunity to soak them.
• You should brush the surfaces of your dentures daily to keep them shiny and clean and soak them in a dedicated cleaning solution a few times every week to keep them sanitary.
• Visit your dentist as often as recommended, since they’ll be able to adjust your dentures if needed and ensure they aren’t compromised.

To summarize, dentures can (and should) be worn most of the time, but certainly not all of the time since the habit can lead to some undesirable complications. By knowing when you should and shouldn’t wear your dentures, you can ensure that they serve you well for as long as possible and allow you to eat, talk, and laugh your way through life!

About the Author

Dr. Chris Johnson and his skilled team are excited to provide an exceptional level of dental care for patients and families in the Houston, TX area! His practice offers a comprehensive range of services including restorative options like dentures. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Johnson online or over the phone for further assistance: (713) 322-4214.