Dentures are a tried-and-true dental restoration that has assisted countless generations of patients with tooth loss. However, as convenient and low maintenance as they might seem, they actually do require a certain level of upkeep to remain functional, clean, and beautiful – and this includes soaking them every single day! Here are a few of the main reasons why you shouldn’t think twice about soaking your dentures overnight.
1. Dentures Have Surface Pores
At first glance, dentures appear to be made of a solid, unbroken material – but when viewed closely under a microscope, you’ll notice that the surface is actually covered in tiny pockmarks. This means that brushing alone isn’t enough to thoroughly clean these surfaces, as the bristles will not be able to reach bacteria that become trapped in the small crevices. Since your dentures have no germ-fighting properties of their own, soaking them in water or a denture cleanser can supplement the job done by your toothbrush. In fact, some of these soaking solutions can even eliminate up to 99.9% of denture germs!
2. Dentures That Aren’t Cleaned Can Pose Health Risks
Believe it or not, dry mouth poses a serious health risk to your smile. Saliva provides a variety of protective benefits and is typically the mouth’s first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth increases with the number of prescription medications you take. Soaking your dentures daily is a surefire way to disinfect them and keep them moist, which in turn will keep your bacterial levels lower. Of course, wearing your dentures non-stop can also lead to irritation of your gum tissue, creating sores that are further vulnerable to infection.
3. Oral Bacteria Increases as You Age
Whether you wear dentures or not, you should know that as you age, the number of bacteria in your mouth tends to increase. However, for denture wearers, the bacteria levels are likely even higher due to several factors, including reduced saliva flow and a diminished immune system. As you get up there in years, your mouth will begin requiring more vigilant care, meaning that routine preventive care combined with at-home hygiene is an absolute must. Soaking your dentures overnight ensures they’re properly cleaned each day, even if brushing is difficult due to mobility issues.
Properly soaking your dentures overnight is important for several reasons – it’s a small task that will pay large dividends for the longevity of your restoration.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Reed has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in the Lincoln, NE, area for over 20 years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dentures. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the office to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (402) 488-5007.
