Evie Summers
Sleeping with dentures may seem harmless, but it can have significant effects on your oral and overall health. While it is possible to sleep in your dentures, most dental professionals recommend that you don't make it a habit. Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, restore functionality, and enhance confidence, but their use during sleep remains a hotly debated topic. In this guide, we will explore the pros and cons of sleeping with dentures, the associated risks, and how to establish a denture care routine that prioritises your oral health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bacteria buildup | Bacteria buildup can occur if dentures are not removed at night, potentially leading to gum disease and other infections. |
| Gum health | Leaving dentures in while sleeping can cause gum irritation and inflammation. Removing dentures allows gums to rest and recover, reducing the risk of gum issues. |
| Bone health | Constant pressure from dentures during sleep can lead to resorption, resulting in a change in jaw bone structure and looser-fitting dentures. |
| Denture breakage | Sleeping with dentures increases the risk of breakage due to constant contact with the pillow, which can exert pressure and cause cracking. |
| Choking hazard | Dentures may slip out during sleep, posing a choking hazard or obstruction in the digestive tract. |
| Aspiration risk | There is an increased risk of inhaling (aspirating) loose dentures during sleep, which can lead to serious health complications. |
| Oral hygiene | Proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and cleaning of dentures, is crucial to prevent bacteria and infection, especially when wearing dentures. |
| Comfort | Sleeping with dentures can be uncomfortable, especially for those with sensitive teeth or gums. |
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What You'll Learn
Oral health risks: Bacteria buildup, gum disease, and infections
While it is generally considered safe to sleep with dentures in during the first few days of receiving them, it is not advisable to do so in the long term. Leaving dentures in while sleeping can lead to a range of oral health issues, including bacteria buildup, gum disease, and infections.
Bacteria Buildup
Leaving dentures in overnight can create an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi. The combination of a warm, moist environment and residual food particles can lead to bacterial proliferation, resulting in unpleasant odors and oral irritation. Proper denture care, including nightly removal and cleaning, is essential to mitigate this risk.
Gum Disease
Prolonged wear of dentures, especially during sleep, can contribute to gum disease. The constant pressure exerted by the dentures on the gums can lead to inflammation, redness, and swelling. Removing dentures at night gives the gums a chance to rest and recover, reducing the risk of gum irritation and disease.
Infections
Sleeping with dentures can increase the risk of developing infections, such as denture-related stomatitis. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of oral bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection of the palate. Additionally, improper denture cleaning can introduce bacteria beneath the dentures, potentially causing infections in the oral tissues.
To maintain optimal oral health, it is crucial to establish a daily denture care routine. This includes brushing dentures with specialized denture brushes, rinsing the mouth regularly, and removing and soaking dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution. Regular visits to a denture clinic are also recommended to prevent dental complications and ensure the proper care and maintenance of dentures.
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Denture damage: Breakage, warping, and staining
Dentures are usually made of acrylic or porcelain and are custom-fitted to your mouth. They can be full or partial, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. While it is generally considered safe to sleep with dentures in, especially in the first few days of getting them, there are some risks and complications associated with doing so in the long term.
Denture Breakage
Dentures are fragile and may break if dropped on a hard surface. The constant contact between your dentures and pillow while sleeping can put pressure on the dentures, causing them to crack or break.
Warping
Dentures should never be placed in hot or boiling water as this can cause them to warp. Instead, they should be soaked in a denture cleanser solution when not being worn to help retain their shape and pliability.
Staining
If your dentures become heavily stained, consult your dentist for professional cleaning. Proper care and maintenance of dentures, including daily cleaning, can help prevent staining and ensure their longevity.
In conclusion, while it may be safe to sleep with dentures in during the initial adjustment period, it is generally recommended to remove them at night once your mouth has adapted. This allows your gums to rest and helps prevent oral health issues such as bacteria buildup, gum inflammation, and denture-related stomatitis.
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Swallowing/choking: Aspiration, choking, and obstruction
While sleeping with dentures is common, especially in the initial days of getting them, it is not recommended in the long term. Dentures should be removed at night before sleeping to allow the gums to rest and prevent oral health issues.
Aspiration, choking, and obstruction are serious and life-threatening complications that can occur during dental procedures. The risk of aspiration increases when the patient is under general anaesthesia or when the mouth is anaesthetised, as the gag reflex is often partially suppressed by local anaesthetics.
Signs of choking include coughing, breathing difficulties, cyanosis (blueness of the skin, nail-beds, mucosa, and lips), and unconsciousness. If a patient is choking, they should be sat up and encouraged to cough vigorously to clear the obstruction. In severe cases, back blows, abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre), or CPR may be necessary. If these measures do not relieve the obstruction, the patient should be transferred to a hospital immediately for further treatment.
In the case of aspiration, where a foreign body is inhaled into the airway, it can lead to serious complications, especially if it remains in the lung for more than 24 hours. A chest X-ray may be performed to diagnose aspiration, and bronchoscopy is often used to retrieve the foreign body. In some cases, surgical procedures may be required for removal.
To prevent aspiration and choking during dental procedures, it is important to use a rubber dam, secure small instruments with floss, and treat patients in either a fully supine or fully upright position.
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Gum health: Irritation, inflammation, and pain
While it is generally considered safe to sleep with dentures in, especially in the first few days of getting them, there are some risks involved. Dentures should be removed each night before sleeping to maintain good oral health.
Leaving dentures in while sleeping can lead to bacteria buildup, which can cause gum disease in the long term. Denture-related stomatitis, for example, is an infection of the palate caused by bacteria buildup. The condition is characterised by a red and inflamed roof of the mouth.
Sleeping with dentures can also cause resorption, which occurs when the bones under the gums become thinner and more brittle due to constant pressure. This can change the shape of your jaw, causing your dentures to not fit properly and increasing gum irritation.
Additionally, if you have ill-fitting dentures, you may experience gum irritation and sores from the constant rubbing against your gums. This can be exacerbated by not removing your dentures at night, as it prevents your gums from getting the rest they need.
To maintain gum health, it is important to remove your dentures at night and clean them properly. This helps prevent bacteria buildup, reduce gum irritation, and lower the risk of infection.
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Bone health: Resorption and changes to facial structure
Dentures are a great way to boost confidence and improve mouth comfort, but it is not recommended to wear them to bed. Dentures put pressure on the gums and the bony ridges beneath them, which can lead to resorption and bone loss. Resorption occurs when the bones under the gums become thinner and more brittle, causing the jaw to change shape and the dentures to fit improperly, which can lead to them falling out. This can also result in less support for the cheeks and lips, causing changes in facial appearance.
Bone resorption and bone loss are accelerated if dentures are worn 24 hours a day. The constant pressure exerted by dentures on the gums and jawbone can lead to bone loss and gum resorption over time, causing dentures to become loose and slip, making it difficult to chew and eat a variety of foods. This can also cause unwanted changes in facial expressions and looks.
To prevent bone resorption and bone loss, it is important to remove dentures at night before sleeping. This allows the gums and jawbone to rest and recover from the pressure exerted by the dentures during the day. It also helps to maintain oral hygiene, as the area where the dentures meet the gums is a prime spot for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Proper denture care is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Dentures should be cleaned regularly with a soft-bristle denture brush and soaked overnight in water or a recommended solution. This helps to maintain their shape and cleanliness, contributing to long-term comfort and oral hygiene. It is also important to follow a proper nighttime care routine, including removing dentures and keeping them in a cleaning solution while sleeping, unless otherwise advised by a dentist.
In summary, wearing dentures to bed can lead to bone resorption and changes in facial structure due to the constant pressure on the gums and jawbone. To maintain bone health and prevent these issues, it is important to remove dentures at night, practice good oral hygiene, and follow a proper denture care routine.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally safe to sleep with false teeth in, but there are some risks involved.
If you sleep with false teeth in, you may be at risk of gum irritation, oral bacteria and fungi, infections, and even aspiration, choking, or suffocation.
Sleeping with false teeth in can prevent teeth from shifting, reduce gum irritation, and keep the mouth moist.
To care for false teeth, it is important to clean them regularly with a soft-bristle denture brush and a denture cleanser. It is also important to remove false teeth at night before bed to avoid bacteria buildup and infection.
