Why Soak Your Dentures Overnight? Get Denture Care Clarity

You’re tired, ready to crawl into bed, and then you realize you forgot to soak your dentures. It might be tempting to skip it “just this once,” but giving your dentures time to soak overnight is more important than you might think. Skipping this step can impact your oral health, denture lifespan, and daily comfort.

Here’s why you should always soak your dentures before going to sleep.

Prevents Dentures from Drying Out

Dentures are designed to stay moist. When they dry out, they can lose their shape, making them uncomfortable or even impossible to wear properly. Soaking your dentures overnight keeps them hydrated, which helps maintain their fit so they can continue to support your smile without slipping or causing sore spots.

Helps Keep Them Clean and Fresh

Throughout the day, dentures collect food particles and bacteria, which can lead to bad breath and plaque buildup if not cleaned properly. Soaking your dentures overnight in a denture cleanser helps to loosen and remove these particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and keeping your dentures fresh for the next day.

Using a denture-cleaning solution overnight can also help remove stains, keeping your dentures looking their best and preserving your confidence in your smile.

Protects Your Oral Health

Wearing your dentures 24/7 may seem convenient, but it can actually cause harm to your gums and remaining teeth. Your gums need time to rest and recover from the pressure of holding your dentures in place throughout the day. Removing your dentures and soaking them overnight gives your gum tissue a chance to breathe and heal.

Sleeping with dentures in can also increase your risk of developing oral infections, such as stomatitis and fungal infections, due to bacteria being trapped under the dentures. Overnight soaking, combined with removing them while you sleep, can greatly reduce these risks and help maintain a healthier mouth.

Extends the Life of Your Dentures

Dentures are an investment, and proper care helps you get the most out of them. Allowing your dentures to dry out or neglecting to clean them can lead to warping, cracks, and discoloration, which may require you to replace them sooner. By soaking your dentures overnight, you help preserve their shape and appearance, ensuring they remain comfortable and functional for as long as possible.

Tips for Proper Overnight Soaking

• Use the right solution: Soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution designed for overnight use. Avoid using hot water, which can warp your dentures.
• Clean before soaking: Rinse and brush your dentures before placing them in the soaking solution to remove loose food and debris.
• Rinse before wearing: In the morning, rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth to remove any cleaning solution residue.

Giving your dentures time to soak overnight helps protect your oral health and your investment.

About the Practice

At Springhetti Dentistry, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile with personalized denture care and restorative solutions. Dr. Springhetti and Dr. Oberley will guide you on the best practices for caring for your dentures to ensure comfort, longevity, and excellent oral health. Learn more about your denture options here and discover how we can support your smile every step of the way.

Call us at (317) 875-7645 or request an appointment online.