Important Reasons to Soak Your Dentures Overnight

You’re tired and ready to head to bed when you suddenly remember—you forgot to soak your dentures. While it may seem harmless to leave them in overnight, soaking your dentures daily is essential for maintaining your oral health and the longevity of your dentures.

Here’s why it’s worth taking the extra minute before you head to sleep.

Keeps Your Dentures Clean

Throughout the day, dentures collect food particles and plaque, just like natural teeth. Soaking your dentures overnight helps loosen debris and bacteria that brushing alone may not fully remove. Using a denture cleanser while soaking can further reduce bacteria and prevent stains, keeping your dentures fresh and clean for daily wear.

Gives Your Gums a Rest

Wearing your dentures 24/7 doesn’t give your gums the break they need. Removing your dentures at night allows your gum tissue to recover from the pressure exerted by your dentures throughout the day. This can help prevent sore spots, inflammation, and discomfort while maintaining healthy blood circulation in your gums.

Prevents Infections

Wearing dentures overnight increases your risk of developing infections like denture stomatitis, a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. Soaking your dentures helps reduce the bacterial load while allowing your mouth to breathe and heal, reducing your chances of infection and irritation.

Helps Dentures Retain Their Shape

Dentures need to stay moist to maintain their shape and fit. If dentures dry out, they can warp, leading to discomfort and poor fit, which can affect your ability to speak and chew properly. Soaking your dentures overnight keeps them hydrated, helping them retain their shape and function effectively.

Promotes Oral Health

Good denture hygiene is a key part of maintaining your oral health. Overnight soaking, combined with daily cleaning, helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque that can lead to gum irritation, bad breath, and other oral health concerns. Even if you no longer have natural teeth, your oral tissues need care and attention to stay healthy.

Best Practices for Soaking Your Dentures

• Remove and rinse your dentures under water before soaking to wash away loose food particles.
• Use a denture cleanser recommended by your dentist to soak your dentures overnight.
• Avoid using hot water, as it can warp your dentures.
• Rinse your dentures thoroughly in the morning before placing them back in your mouth.

Taking a few minutes each night to soak your dentures can help ensure your smile stays clean, healthy, and comfortable.

About the Practice

Waterbury Smiles is here to support your dental health and wellness in Waterbury, CT. Our team offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile. Whether you need denture care, routine checkups, or personalized dental solutions, Waterbury Smiles is here to support your oral health journey in a welcoming environment.

Call us at (203) 575-9097 or request an appointment online.