Can you sleep with dentures in?

Should you sleep with dentures in?

The NHS says not to wear dentures overnight unless your dentist recommends it, because trapped food can raise the risk of gum infections and tooth decay, and you could choke on them while asleep, and to remove them every night. Cleveland Clinic's denture care article advises against sleeping in dentures and says to store them in a glass of cool water overnight. Healthline's denture care article lists sleeping in dentures among the habits to avoid.

Why take dentures out at night?

Your gums and the bone under them need a break from pressure and a chance to be cleaned by saliva and air. Cleveland Clinic says dentures that dry out can permanently lose their shape, so they should be kept moist while out. Overnight, the denture also collects food, plaque and bacteria that sit against the gums. The sources we read do not give a figure for infection risk, so follow your dentist's advice.

Can you sleep with upper dentures in?

The advice is the same for upper and lower, complete and partial dentures: take them out, as the NHS says. The NHS says it can take a few weeks to get used to wearing dentures, and practicing taking them in and out may help. If you feel anxious about being without them at night, ask your dentist about a plan.

Can you sleep with false teeth or immediate dentures in?

Cleveland Clinic says immediate dentures are worn right after extractions and are sometimes temporary until the mouth heals. Some dentists advise keeping an immediate denture in for the first night or first few days to protect the sockets and control swelling, and then to remove it on a schedule they give. The sources we read do not give that schedule, so follow your dentist's instructions exactly and ask what to do if the denture feels loose in the first week.

Can you sleep with a flipper tooth?

The NHS page covers complete and partial dentures and does not mention flippers. A flipper is a small temporary partial denture and the same cautions apply: it can trap food, and a small appliance is a choking or swallowing risk in sleep. Take it out, clean it and store it as your dentist advises. See our guide on eating with flipper teeth.

How to store dentures overnight

The NHS says to store them in water, a polythene bag with damp cotton wool, an overnight denture-cleaning solution or a denture bath. Cleveland Clinic says to keep dentures in cool water or a denture-cleansing solution, that soaking also helps reduce staining and to rinse them well afterwards to remove the cleaning solution. Avoid hot water, which Cleveland Clinic says can warp the plastic, and do not let dentures dry out, since they can permanently lose their shape.

How to clean dentures

The NHS says to brush dentures every morning and evening with soft soap or washing-up liquid, not toothpaste, which can damage them, brush your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste and rinse dentures in cold water after meals. Cleveland Clinic says to use a denture brush with mild hand soap, mild dish liquid or denture cleanser, to clean over a towel or a sink of water in case of a drop, and to avoid bleach, whitening toothpaste and do-it-yourself repair kits or glue, which can damage dentures.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask at your fitting.

• Should I ever wear my dentures overnight, and for how long after fitting?
• How should I store and clean them each night?
• What should I do if they feel loose or sore?
• How often should the fit be checked or relined?
• Is there a denture adhesive you recommend?

Frequently asked questions