If you wear dentures, you know they are more than just replacement teeth—they’re an investment in your smile, confidence, and ability to enjoy life. Like natural teeth, dentures require daily care to stay in good condition and protect your oral health. One of the most important habits denture wearers should adopt is soaking their dentures overnight. While it may seem tempting to leave them in while you sleep, giving your dentures a rest in a cleaning solution or plain water has significant benefits. Here are the top 5 reasons why soaking your dentures overnight matters.
1. Keeps Dentures Clean and Free of Bacteria
Throughout the day, food particles, plaque, and bacteria accumulate on your dentures, just as they would on natural teeth. Even with daily brushing, some buildup may remain. Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution helps loosen and remove bacteria and stains that brushing alone can’t reach. This prevents bad odors, improves freshness, and helps keep your dentures looking their best.
2. Helps Dentures Retain Their Shape
Dentures are made of acrylic and other materials that need to stay hydrated. If they dry out, they can warp or crack, leading to poor fit and discomfort. Storing dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight keeps them moist and helps maintain their proper shape. This ensures they will continue to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth.
3. Protects Your Gums and Oral Health
Wearing dentures 24/7 doesn’t give your gums a chance to rest. Constant pressure can lead to irritation, sore spots, and even infections. By removing your dentures at night, you allow the soft tissues in your mouth to recover and stay healthy. Plus, soaking your dentures overnight ensures you’re not reintroducing bacteria into your mouth the next morning.
4. Reduces the Risk of Infections
Studies have shown that wearing dentures while sleeping increases the risk of oral infections, such as denture stomatitis (inflammation of the tissues under the denture) or fungal growth like thrush. Overnight soaking with an antibacterial denture solution helps kill harmful microorganisms and lowers the risk of these painful conditions.
5. Improves Denture Longevity
Dentures are a long-term investment, and proper care can extend their lifespan. Regular overnight soaking not only keeps them clean but also prevents the material from becoming brittle or discolored. A simple nightly routine can add years to the life of your dentures, saving you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Soaking your dentures overnight may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference in keeping both your dentures and your mouth healthy. From maintaining a proper fit to reducing bacteria and protecting your gums, this habit supports comfort, confidence, and overall oral health. By making overnight soaking part of your daily routine, you can enjoy a fresher, healthier smile every day.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Garrad graduated in the top 5 percent of her class at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She went on to complete advanced training with a focus on Invisalign and dental implants. Plus, she still pursues continuing education to this day through her memberships with prestigious organizations like Spear Education. If you need to restore your look, confidence, and functionality with dentures, trust Dr. Garrad and our talented team to serve you! Schedule your appointment online or call our Greenville office at (903) 455-6075.