4 Reasons to Soak Your Dentures at Night

If you’ve lost all your teeth in one or both arches, dentures in Columbia are a great solution to restore a beautiful smile. Although they aren’t subject to decay, you still need to take the time to care for your dentures each day. Besides brushing, you should also soak your replacement teeth overnight, but why is it necessary? Here are 4 reasons to make nightly soaking a priority.

1. Acrylic Dentures Have Pores

Modern dentures are made of acrylic. While the material might look solid, it actually has many small pores. Although you can’t see them, there are tiny caves all over your dentures where bacteria can get trapped. If bacteria accumulate in the small pits, a foul odor can develop, but that’s not the only concern. Unclean dentures can also contribute to gum disease. Soaking your dentures neutralizes the bacteria that can lead to odors and infections.

2. Reduces Risk of Gum Disease

Your dental health relies on adequate saliva flow to cleanse food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Unfortunately, as you age, you are more likely to experience dry mouth, which creates the perfect environment for harmful bacteria. Without adequate moisture, the bacteria can linger on your dentures as well. Nightly soaking cleanses them of the bacteria to ensure your smile stays healthy.

3. Gives Your Gums a Rest

Nowadays, dentures are more comfortable than ever; however, you’ll still need to let your gums rest. They might be sore at the end of the day from supporting your replacement teeth. If they are a bit tender, soaking your dentures while you’re sleeping is a great way to give your gums a break before the new day.

4. Kills Oral Bacteria

Although daily brushing is essential for denture maintenance, your brush can’t reach everywhere, like the pores. A soaking solution can kill 99.9% of oral bacteria to keep your mouth healthy. You’ll also eliminate odor-causing bacteria for fresh breath.

Protect Your Investment

Your dentures will need to be replaced about every 7 years, but there are several things you can do to ensure they last. You can help protect your investment with nightly soaking and keeping a few care tips in mind:

• Don’t use abrasive dental products to clean your denture.
• Don’t let your denture dry out.
• Don’t expose your denture to excessive heat.
• Brush your denture at least once a day.
• Rinse and remove your denture after eating.
• Clean your mouth after removing your denture.

Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a preventive appointment. They’ll also inspect your denture to ensure it is undamaged and functioning its best. If you’re interested in a more permanent solution, ask your dentist about the benefits of an implant-retained denture.

About Dr. Alex R. Goodman

Dr. Alex R. Goodman earned his doctorate at the University of Alabama at the Birmingham School of Dentistry. He has provided advanced dental care to the community for over a decade. Dr. Goodman has undergone advanced training to treat complex issues, like tooth loss. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for dentures.