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You’ve had a long, stressful, day, and you want nothing more than to crash on your bed and get a good night’s rest. There’s just one small problem – you haven’t yet taken out your dentures to soak them. Is it really a big deal if you sleep with your dentures, though? According to your dentist, failing to let your dentures soak overnight could spell disaster for your smile. Here are four reasons why soaking dentures in South Austin is absolutely essential!

1. DENTURES ARE POROUS

Most dentures have a base made of acrylic, which is full of holes that are so tiny you can’t even see them. However, there is plenty of room for bacteria to accumulate in these spaces. Eventually, these bacteria could build up to the point of causing gum disease and other infections. Gum disease has been linked to a host of other medical problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, so it’s in your best interest to avoid it.

2. BACTERIAL GROWTH INCREASES WITH AGE

As you get older, the population of bacteria (both good and bad) inside your mouth naturally increases. Part of the reason for this is a decrease in saliva production. While dry mouth is a fairly common result of aging, it’s also a side effect of many medications. If you don’t soak your dentures, the bacteria inside of their pores could combine with the bacteria in your mouth and contribute to inflammation and infection.

3. YOUR GUMS NEED A BREAK

Wearing dentures all day places a lot of stress on your gum tissue. In fact, it’s not uncommon for denture wearers to have sore gums by the end of the day. Removing your dentures before bed and letting them soak can give your gums time to rest and recover.

4. SOAKING DENTURES IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN THEM

The bristles of your toothbrush can’t clear out the tiny pores in your prosthetic. However, soaking your dentures at night can, making it easier to curb bacterial growth. Plus, your smile will be more functional and your breath fresher!

OTHER WAYS TO CARE FOR YOUR DENTURES

In addition to soaking your dentures every night, it’s also important to:

• Take your dentures out and rinse them after eating.
• Visit your dentist in South Austin twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning.
• Brush your dentures at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

By taking good care of your dentures, you can expect your replacement teeth to last for up to 10 years. That means you can enjoy a full decade of healthy, confident smiles!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan achieved his dental degree at the New York College of Dentistry and regularly pursues continuing education opportunities to learn how to treat complex oral health issues like tooth loss. At The Dental Centre, Dr. Fan provides lifelike full and partial dentures, and even works with local experts to provide implant dentures. If you’d like to learn more about caring for dentures, contact his office today by calling 512-361-4288.