If you have dentures, you probably want to keep them in as much as possible. Who wants to face the world without their teeth? While this is perfectly reasonable, as many people rely on dentures to speak and eat every day, there are a few times when they absolutely need to come out. Knowing when to remove your dentures will not only help them last longer, but will also preserve your oral health over time as well!
While Sleeping
As you wear your dentures throughout the day, oral bacteria accumulate on the underlying gum tissue because the prosthetic reduces the natural circulation of air and saliva. Left on for too long, a denture can increase someone’s risk of infection. That’s why people are encouraged to sleep without their dentures and soak them throughout the night. This gives their gums a rest and allows the mouth to clean itself, which works in tandem with someone’s oral hygiene routine to prevent common dental issues. Speaking of which…
During Oral Hygiene
It might be tempting to just brush your denture while it’s still in your mouth, but this will cause you to miss the underside of the prosthetic where it touches the gums. It’s important to clean all surfaces because they can harbor harmful bacteria, and removing a denture also allows a patient to wash/rinse their gums.
If You Feel Pain
It’s normal for the gums to feel a little sore right after someone gets a denture, but this should get better on its own and completely go away after a few weeks. However, if a person is experiencing persistent pain for months or years after receiving their denture (particularly if it is concentrated in one spot), they should take out their prosthetic and call their dentist to schedule an appointment right away. Something is likely wrong, either with the denture or the gum tissue, and continuing to wear it will only make things worse.
At the Dentist
Whenever you go in for a checkup, your dentist will want to look at your prosthetic to make sure it’s in good shape, and the same can be said for your gums. It’s important that your new teeth and mouth work in harmony, and your dentist needs to examine each part separately to ensure no issues are present or could pop up in the near future.
Beyond these situations, it’s OK to keep your dentures in as much as possible. Taking them out at the right time will help your mouth feel better, ensure your denture keeps looking and functioning great, and lengthen the lifetime of your prosthetic.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has practiced dentistry for an impressive 40+ years, and he has earned prestigious accolades including Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and Fellowships in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and the Academy of Dentistry International. He has helped countless patients recover their smiles and confidence using custom-made dentures, so whether you’re ready to get your first prosthetic or upgrade your current one, you can trust he has the expertise you need. To schedule an appointment with him, click here or call (724) 543-4948.