After a long day, you might be ready to call it a night and go straight to bed. You may be tempted to leave your dentures in your mouth or place them on a counter, but it’s important you put them in water at least! Building this simple habit can prove to be beneficial for them and your oral health. Here are three reasons why you should soak your prosthetic during the night.
1.) You’ll Keep Your Dentures Clean
Your dentures might feel like they are entirely smooth and a solid piece, but they have tiny pores. Bacteria can find their way into these small areas and cause a buildup. When this happens, you can increase your risk of infection or sores. You might also notice a bad smell coming from them! Unfortunately, brushing alone can’t reach these spots, but soaking can effectively clean them.
2.) Your Gums Will Be Able to Rest
The dentures you have are customized to your mouth. This is what makes them comfortable, but you shouldn’t wear them all day and night. Plaque may find its way underneath your prosthetic and attack your gum tissues. You might notice inflammation, which can change the snug fit. Not only that, but having constant pressure on them 24/7 can lead to sores or even jawbone loss.
Thankfully, this can be avoided by soaking them at night. Your gums will be able to breathe, and you can wipe down any buildup that occurs. That way, your smile stays problem-free for longer.
3.) You Can Preserve Your Denture’s Shape
This tooth replacement is designed to stay wet. They sit in your mouth after all, so they are meant to be in this kind of environment. The moisture helps keep them flexible and in great shape. If you leave them on a counter, then you risk them drying out. Cracks can develop, which often call for a replacement if they can’t be repaired.
In the end, you should soak your dentures during the night. It might seem like an extra step sometimes, but it can help keep your full smile going strong for longer. The more you do it, the more of a habit it’ll become. Thankfully, all it takes is placing them in a glass of water or a specific cleaner; that way, your prosthetic stays comfortable for longer.
About the Practice
At Heim & Carroll DMD, LLC, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. John Carroll and Dr. Veronica Yu. We are dedicated to helping the Glastonbury community restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures. By customizing your results out of high-quality materials, you can trust that they look and feel great in the end. If you want more tips on caring for your results, schedule an appointment or call our office at (860) 633-2031.
