Why Wearing Dentures to Sleep Can Destroy Your Oral Health

Wearing dentures can destroy your oral Health

For many denture wearers, it might feel harmless — even convenient — to keep dentures in overnight. After all, you don’t have to bother with removing, cleaning, and putting them back in the next morning. But what seems like an innocent habit can actually cause serious damage to your oral health.

When dentures stay in overnight, bacteria and fungi thrive under the appliance, turning your mouth into a breeding ground for infection. This greatly increases the risk of denture stomatitis, where the tissues beneath the denture become red, sore, and inflamed.

Your gums and jawbone also need a break. Wearing dentures around the clock puts constant pressure on the tissues, leading to irritation, soreness, and even faster bone shrinkage. Over time, this causes dentures to fit poorly, creating a cycle of discomfort and damage.

There are also risks beyond your mouth. Research shows that wearing dentures to sleep raises the risk of pneumonia, as harmful bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs during sleep.

Keeping dentures in at night also traps food particles and plaque, which results in bad breath, poor oral hygiene, and a higher chance of gum disease or decay in any remaining teeth.

Even the dentures themselves are affected. Constant wear shortens their lifespan, leading to cracks, wear, and the need for earlier replacement.

Full Denture, Partial Dentures

What You Should Do Instead

• Remove your dentures at night to let your gums and bone rest.

• Soak them in water or denture solution to keep them fresh and prevent warping.

• Clean your mouth too — brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth before bed.

The Bottom Line

Sleeping with dentures may feel like a harmless shortcut, but it puts your oral health and even your overall health at risk. By simply removing them each night and following proper cleaning routines, you’ll enjoy fresher breath, healthier gums, and longer-lasting dentures.