Whether or not to store dentures in water overnight is a common question for denture wearers. There are pros and cons to soaking dentures overnight that should be considered when deciding what works best for your oral health.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about storing dentures in water overnight:
Is it okay to sleep with dentures in water?
Yes, soaking dentures overnight in water is generally considered safe and can help keep them from drying out and warping. Use cool or lukewarm tap water.
Should you take dentures out at night?
It’s recommended to remove dentures at night to give your gums a rest from wearing them all day. Soaking them in water will help keep their shape.
Can you soak dentures in hot water?
No, hot water can warp or damage dentures. Use cool or room temperature water instead.
Is it better to soak dentures in water or cleaning solution?
Water is fine for overnight soaking. Use denture cleaning solutions periodically for a deeper clean.
Benefits of Soaking Dentures Overnight
Soaking dentures in water overnight offers several benefits:
- Keeps dentures from drying out – Removing dentures for 6-8 hours allows saliva to rehydrate your gums. Soaking maintains moisture in the acrylic.
- Allows gums to rest – Giving gums a break prevents irritation, sores and other issues from constant denture wearing.
- Removes food debris – Soaking dislodges bits of food and plaque that get stuck under dentures throughout the day.
- Keeps original shape – Water prevents warping or bending caused by dehydration of the acrylic.
- Freshens breath – Soaking eliminates odors and bacteria that build up on dentures from daily wear.
Allowing dentures a chance to rehydrate and thoroughly clean overnight helps maintain their comfort and prolong their lifespan.
Concerns About Soaking Dentures Overnight
While soaking dentures in water overnight is generally recommended, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Risk of fracture – Removing dentures at night allows rest for gums but also exposure to accidental cracking or breakage.
- Teeth shifting – Dentures may shift or lose their shape without the pressure of being worn in the mouth.
- Warping over time – Long term overnight soaking can cause subtle warping that affects fit.
- Bacterial growth – Extended soaking without proper cleaning allows bacteria and fungus to accumulate.
- Need for cleaning – Soaking alone won’t remove stains or calculus buildup that requires thorough scrubbing.
While rare, these risks can be minimized by proper handling, intermittent cleaning, and avoiding soaking for more than 8 hours.
Best Practices for Overnight Denture Care
To get the benefits of soaking without the downsides, follow these overnight denture care tips:
- Use cool or room temperature water – Hot water can cause warping.
- Do not soak for more than 8 hours – Reduce bacterial growth and warping risk.
- Rinse thoroughly before inserting in the morning – Rinse off any plaque or film buildup.
- Clean dentures at least once per week – Use soap, toothpaste or denture cleaner to kill bacteria.
- Store dentures in a denture cup with moist tissue – Keeps shape when not being soaked.
- Give gums a rest for 6-8 hours – Avoid wearing dentures at night to allow gum rest.
- Visit your denturist regularly – Have them adjust fit for shifting that may occur over time.
Being diligent with proper soaking and cleaning methods will allow you to benefit from soaking without common downsides.
Water Soaking Tips
To optimize the effectiveness of soaking dentures overnight, follow these tips:
- Rinse dentures thoroughly before soaking to remove any loose food debris and plaque.
- Use enough water to completely submerge the dentures. They should not rest or rub on the container.
- Change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth. Do not reuse soaking water.
- Use plain tap water rather than bottled water which may contain minerals that deposit on dentures.
- Place a hand towel in the bottom of the container to prevent accidental cracking if dropped.
- Soak dentures away from heat sources or direct sunlight which may warp the shape over time.
- Consider adding a denture cleaning tablet periodically to freshen and disinfect.
Cleaning Solution Soaking
While regular water soaking is effective for daily denture care, occasionally soaking in a cleaning solution provides deeper cleaning benefits. Cleansing solutions contain ingredients like sodium hypochlorite, detergents, enzymes, or effervescent tablets to break up stubborn biofilm and remove stains.
Benefits of Denture Cleaning Solutions
- Whiten stained surfaces
- Loosen plaque and calculus
- Neutralize odors
- Disinfect dentures
- Remove hardened debris
- Clean hard-to-reach crevices
Look for denture cleaning solutions that are specifically formulated for safe use with acrylic resin appliances. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper soaking methods and times.
Tips for Using Cleansing Solutions
- Soak for the recommended time period – Don’t exceed, as extended soaking can damage dentures.
- Rinse thoroughly with water afterward – Remove all solution residue before inserting dentures.
- Use once or twice per week – For regular maintenance, not daily prolonged soaking.
- Avoid bleach-containing solutions – Bleach can weaken or discolor acrylic over time.
- Dry thoroughly before inserting – Prevent irritation from any lingering solution.
- Look for effervescent tablets for convenient use – Mix with water to create a fizzy soak.
Storing Dentures Out of Your Mouth
While soaking keeps dentures hydrated and clean overnight, you still need a safe storage method for when they’re not being worn during the day. Proper denture storage is important to keep their shape intact.
Denture Cup Storage
Denture cups with moist tissue or wet sponges keep dentures from drying out when not being soaked. The moist surface prevents warping while also protecting dentures from damage if accidentally dropped.
Denture Bath Storage
Denture bath containers have removable lids with vent holes that allow airflow. The bath is filled with water and a denture cleaning tablet to keep a fresh hydrated environment.
Denture Box Storage
Rigid denture boxes protect against cracking and bending when transported outside the home. Line the box with moist tissue or cloth if dentures won’t be worn for extended periods of time.
Do Dentures Need to Be Kept Wet?
Dentures are made from acrylic resin that can warp, bend and crack when allowed to thoroughly dry out. Keeping them hydrated with either water soaking or storage in moist conditions prevents permanent damage.
However, dentures should not be left wet for overly extended periods of time, as moisture also allows bacterial and fungal growth that can stain or odorize the appliance. Frequent water soaking should always be balanced with proper rinsing and weekly cleaning.
Precautions for Water Soaking
While soaking dentures in water is beneficial, be sure to follow these precautions:
- Avoid hot water to prevent warping – Use cool or room temperature water.
- Don’t use harsh soaps – Abrasive cleansers can scratch the denture surface.
- Rinse thoroughly after soaking – Remove all debris and cleaning solution residue.
- Disinfect with vinegar or mouthwash periodically – Kill bacteria that water soaking alone won’t remove.
- Clean BETWEEN the teeth – Use a small brush to remove particles trapped between teeth.
- Dry thoroughly before inserting – Moisture left between dentures and gums can cause irritation.
- Schedule regular dental visits – Have dentures professionally cleaned and adjusted.
Signs Your Dentures Need Replacing
Over time, soaking and wearing dentures can take its toll. Look for these signs that your dentures may need professional repair or replacement:
- Loose fit even with adhesives
- Rubbing, irritation or sores on gums
- Cracked, bent or warped base
- Broken, missing or loose teeth
- Permanent stains or odors
- Repeated bacterial/fungal infections
- Obvious wear of acrylic or enamel
New dentures should be comfortable and tight fitting against your gums. See your denturist promptly if you notice your dentures slipping or an increase in irritation or pain when worn.
When to Stop Soaking Dentures
Unless your dentist advises otherwise, nightly soaking remains beneficial for the entire life span of your dentures. Stopping the soaking process can allow drying and warping to occur.
However, alternate cleaning and soaking with regular wearing to prevent over-hydration. If dentures become loose due to softening of the acrylic, taking a break from soaking for a few nights can help tighten the fit again.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
While soaking is recommended to clean dentures overnight, you can also incorporate these alternative cleaning methods during the day:
- Rinse under running water – Especially after meals and before bed.
- Use denture brush and paste – Gently scrub daily to prevent plaque buildup.
- Soak in mouthwash – Removes bacteria while freshening.
- Soak in vinegar water – Removes stains and kills bacteria.
- Clean with baking soda – Made into a paste it gently whitens.
- Brush with anti-bacterial soap – Use diluted liquid soap to remove stuck-on food.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Have professional cleanings done periodically.
Combining these cleaning hacks with overnight soaking gives dentures a thorough daily regimen to stay fresh and prevent disease.
General Denture Hygiene
In addition to regular soaking and cleaning, practice these overall denture hygiene habits:
- Rinse dentures after every meal – Food debris causes decay and odor if left on.
- Brush your gums morning and night – Stimulates circulation and removes plaque.
- Remove and clean dentures at night – Give your gums needed rest from wear.
- Clean your mouth after denture removal – Scrap your tongue and rinse to freshen.
- Handle dentures carefully – Prevent accidental dropping and cracking.
- Visit your denturist at least annually – Have them professionally cleaned and adjusted.
- Report any rubbing or discomfort – Improper fit can cause sore spots and tissue damage.
- Use a denture bath or cup when soaking – Avoid direct contact with hard surfaces.
Caring for your dentures and gums will ensure you get the longest lasting fit, function and comfort from your appliance.
Adhesives for Soaked Dentures
As dentures age and loosen from repeated soaking and bone loss, you may need to start using adhesives to keep them firmly in place. However, it’s important to use adhesives safely after soaking.
- Ensure dentures are completely dry – Adhesive won’t bond properly to damp surfaces.
- Clean and rinse dentures – No debris should be present under the denture or on your gums.
- Apply adhesive sparingly – Too much can seep out causing gum irritation and damage.
- Follow package directions – Different adhesives have varied application techniques.
- Check fit before applying – You may need adhesive due to inadequate fit requiring adjustment.
- Reapply as directed – Don’t overdo the adhesive throughout the day.
See your dentist promptly if irritation or damage occurs when using denture adhesives.
Conclusion
Soaking dentures overnight offers many benefits in cleaning, deodorizing and maintaining their shape. However, improper soaking techniques and infrequent professional cleanings can lead to fungal and bacterial growth causing stains, odors and dental disease.
Balance regular overnight soaking with thorough daily cleaning and proper storage methods. See your denturist promptly if your dentures become damaged, ill-fitting or uncomfortable.
With proper care, cleaning and handling, you can soak dentures safely at night while optimizing oral hygiene.
