After a long day, the only thing on your mind might be your bed. It’s easy to ignore everything and just lie down and call it a night. However, if you have dentures, then it’s important that you soak them. You might just keep them in or put them on your nightstand, but this can be bad for them! Keep reading to learn why you should do this habit before you sleep to keep your prosthetic and smile safe.
1.) Cleans Your Dentures
When you feel your dentures, you may notice how they are pretty smooth. It’s easy to imagine them as a completely solid piece, but they have tiny pores. Bacteria can find their way into these spaces and build up over time. This can increase your risk of an infection or sores, but you may also notice a bad smell coming from your prosthetic. Regular brushing may not get into these tiny areas, but soaking can!
2.) Let’s Your Gums Breathe
You may love your dentures so much that you don’t want to take them out. However, while they are designed to stay moist, they shouldn’t be worn 24/7. Plaque can build up underneath or on them, causing a wide range of problems, like the ones mentioned above! Not only that, but you may be more likely to develop pressure sores. You may even be inadvertently increasing your jawbone loss because of the constant friction.
By soaking this prosthetic, you can give your gums a break. You’ll be able to take an extra moment to brush the soft tissue in your mouth and get rid of any bacteria. That way, you reduce your risk of any oral health problems.
3.) Keeps Your Dentures in Shape
As was mentioned above, keeping your dentures wet is crucial to their longevity. If you don’t put them in water or a soaking solution, then they can dry out. This can affect their shape and flexibility, making them more uncomfortable to wear. It can develop cracks, meaning you’ll need a replacement well sooner than expected!
Although you may be tempted to put your dentures on your nightstand, be sure to take time to soak them. It can seem like an “extra step,” but it’s important in keeping them in good condition. Doing this habit can help keep them comfortable and your smile the best it can be for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He is proud to help the Burien community fill in their smile with tooth replacement options like dentures. By learning about your goals, he can come up with a personalized plan to ensure your prosthetic looks and feels as natural as possible. If you want to learn how you can better care for your restored smile, schedule an appointment or call his office at (206) 244-4622.
