Is It Okay to Wear Dentures 24/7?

Thanks to modern materials and methods, today’s dentures seem quite lifelike. It’s to the point that you could easily think of wearing them all the time. That said, using these replacement teeth constantly is a terrible idea. To wear dentures 24/7 would put you and the devices at risk, so you’re better off sticking to limited hours. If you want to learn more, here’s a primer on the dangers of 24/7 denture use and how often to wear your restorations.

Wearing Dentures 24/7 is Harmful

Even though they look more natural than ever, wearing dentures all the time is bad for your health. Doing so could cause you to develop issues like:

Gum Irritation

If you wear your dentures overnight, your gums will likely suffer. The pressure from your prosthetics could cut off these tissues’ circulation, leading to soreness and sensitivity. At the same time, keeping your dentures in your mouth would deprive your gums of fresh air. You’d then be trapped with harmful bacteria that could give you gum disease, bad breath, and worse.

Respiratory Strain

It isn’t just your mouth that smarts from constant denture use, either. The latter often leads to respiratory strain and similar issues.

As it turns out, wearing dentures overnight exposes your throat to bacteria. These microbes could make you highly likely to catch colds, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. With that last condition, research even shows wearing dentures constantly doubles your risk of deadly pneumonia.

Jaw Bone Loss

24/7 denture use is a major threat to your jaw’s bone tissue. More specifically, it can cause your jawbone to slowly (but surely) lose its density.

You see, dentures press on your gums and the bony ridges supporting them. Making such pressure constant would accelerate bone resorption – a process that gradually reduces your jaw’s bone quantity and density. As that process speeds up, dentures will eventually lack support and poorly fit.

Only Wear Dentures During Daylight

To avoid the risks above, only wear dentures during daytime hours. Your gums will then have time to rest, and your mouth will stay healthy.

The best approach is to remove dentures from your mouth for 6-8 hours daily. During that period, the prosthetics should stay in a glass of denture solution. This mixture would keep your restorations clean as your gums recover.

Rather than wear dentures 24/7, use your restorations sparingly. Your restored smile will appreciate it!

About the Practice

Souris Valley Dental Group is based in Minot, ND. Led by five amazing dentists, our practice offers truly comprehensive dentistry under one roof. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, our team will quickly and gladly help your smile. You’ll then have teeth and gums that can thrive for a lifetime! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (701)-852-5595.