Dentures offer a solution for missing teeth, providing a natural-looking smile and helping with everyday functions like eating and speaking. While dentures can greatly improve your quality of life, it’s essential to understand how to care for them properly. One common question people have is how long they can safely wear their dentures each day. While it might seem convenient to wear them all the time, there are important reasons to give your mouth a break from dentures. Read on to find out more about the recommended wearing time and the risks of wearing dentures continuously.

Is it OK to Wear Dentures 24/7?

To allow your jawbone and gums to rest and adjust, it’s recommended to wear dentures for at least eight hours a day. This helps prevent sore spots and ensures a better fit over time. While dentures enhance your appearance and function, wearing them continuously isn’t a good idea due to potential issues such as:

• Unhealthy tissue – Wearing dentures all the time can trap moisture and food particles, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. This can result in gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health issues.
• Denture stomatitis – Denture stomatitis is inflammation and irritation of the mouth tissues under dentures. It can happen due to poor denture care, poorly fitting dentures, or bacterial infections. Symptoms include redness, swelling, soreness, and a burning feeling. If severe, it can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
• Respiratory issues – Sleeping with dentures can raise your risk of getting respiratory infections like colds and bronchitis. It also doubles the chance of getting pneumonia, which may be serious or even life-threatening.
• Accelerated bone loss – Wearing dentures can exert pressure on the gums and underlying bone, which can speed up bone loss over time.

An Exception to the Rule

Dentures can be worn day and night for the first few days after getting teeth extracted to aid in the healing process. However, after 72 hours, it’s crucial to establish a regular denture care routine. This means removing your dentures at night while you sleep. Wearing dentures continuously in the initial days after extractions helps with:

• Bleeding control – The pressure from your dentures can help stop bleeding after extractions.
• Swelling – It’s recommended to keep your dentures in for a few days after an extraction to accommodate swelling.
• Bone conformity – Wearing your dentures non-stop for a few days after an extraction helps the bone adapt to their shape.

Remember, while dentures are a great way to restore your smile, it’s important to care for them properly and give your mouth some rest. Following the recommended wear time and maintaining good oral hygiene will help keep your smile healthy and comfortable!

About the Practice

Moreno & Young Dental is committed to delivering exceptional dental care to meet all your oral health needs. Led by Dr. Ronald Moreno, Dr. John Young, and Dr. Peter Pfeiffer, our skilled team provides a wide range of cosmetic treatments, including dentures, to help you achieve a radiant smile. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or need a complete set, we offer personalized denture solutions to restore your smile’s beauty and function. To schedule an appointment or find out more about our denture options, please visit our website or call us at (360) 676-0642.