Have you ever seen – in real life or in a cartoon – a set of dentures floating in a glass of clear liquid? Soaking dentures in a cleaning solution overnight is a fairly common practice, but is it really necessary when you could simply brush them and call it a day?
While it’s still a good idea to brush your dentures before putting them back in your mouth in the morning, soaking them at night does benefit your oral health. Keep reading to find out why!
Bacteria Build Up Causes Oral Problems
The reason dentists encourage good oral hygiene habits so strongly is bacteria build up can cause serious oral problems, even if you’ve lost all your teeth.
As you go about your day, and while you sleep at night, bacteria accumulate in your mouth. When they’re allowed to build up over time, the acids they produce start to cause irritation and inflammation, until the final result is gum disease or a similar infection. If you’re not careful, you might lose the ability to support your dentures!
Risk Factors for Increased Bacteria
Unfortunately, that’s not all. If you meet certain criteria, you could have higher bacteria content in your mouth or have a tougher time getting rid of it. For example:
- The older you get, the more oral bacteria you have on average.
- Dentures are also associated with higher bacteria content.
- Certain health conditions, like diabetes, come with symptoms that make it harder to fight off bacteria and infection.
- High blood sugar increases the amount of sugar in your saliva, accelerating oral bacteria growth.
People who fall into these groups often have to be more vigilant about their hygiene in order to maintain good oral health.
Soaking Cleans More Thoroughly
That’s why many denture-wearers soak their prosthetic at night. A liquid denture cleaning solution can eliminate bacteria more thoroughly than manual brushing, in part because the liquid can mold to reach every nook and cranny. Plus, for patients who aren’t as nimble as they used to be, soaking is an easier and more convenient means of sanitization.
At the end of the day, when you’re tired and ready to go to bed, you could simply pop your dentures out, scrub them with a toothbrush and hand soap, and secure them away in a safe container. But you’ll likely have missed pools of bacteria that are itching to build up and multiply. Drop them in a denture cleaning solution instead, and you won’t have to think about what gross substances could be waiting for you in the morning!
About the Author
Dr. Haren Patel has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. He knows how important your dentures are for everyday functioning, and that caring for and maintaining them isn’t always easy. If you need tips about how best to clean your dentures, Dr. Patel will gladly lend you his expertise! To contact his office, call 770-592-7000.