Should You Keep Dentures in Water Overnight?
If you’re someone who regularly wears dentures, then you know just how important it is to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene. Your dentures are used to mimic the way natural teeth act, giving you a beautiful smile while being completely functional all in one – without the required upkeep, nasty bacteria will form and so will the risk of infection. So, should you keep dentures in water overnight? The best way to determine this answer is by reading the manufacturer’s directions. Dentures generally need to be soaked in water or a denture cleansing solution anyway, but the timeframe of which they can remain submerged does vary.
When you’re not wearing your dentures, the general rule of thumb is to soak them in water or the correct solution because, not only does it make it easier for you to clean, but it kills bacteria, and prevents the risk of warping. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the importance of soaking your dentures each night, and how you can do it the right way to maintain a long-lasting, beautiful set of dentures.
If you’re interested in organising a set of dentures but you’re after a reliable specialist to take care of you, contact our team through our online form today. If you’re still wondering, should you keep dentures in water overnight?, give us a call and speak to a dental prosthetist at our denture clinic Northern Rivers for assistance.
Denture Health & Care Tips
How Long Can Dentures Stay Out of Water
Keeping dentures out of water for prolonged periods isn’t a good idea. This is because they’re made from an acrylic material that requires moisture at all times to retain their shape; if dentures completely dry out, they run the risk of becoming brittle, cracked, warped, and ill-fitting in your mouth.
When dentures are being worn, the saliva in your mouth keeps them moist the entire time, and when you take them out, it’s encouraged you soak them in water or solution. However, if you know you’re not going to wear your dentures for a long while, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure they keep their shape and don’t dry out.
Maintaining Denture Shape and Fit
How long can dentures stay out of water? Well, not for long. Dentures can dry out almost instantly, and oftentimes it’s difficult to restore them if it’s been a while. If they’re not going to be worn, place them in a dedicated casing with a soaked towel to ensure they’re always surrounded by moisture.
If they’ve already been sitting out of a solution for quite some time, put them into a glass of water straight away and allow them to soak for 24 hours – this may restore their shape and moisture. For dentures that have already become dry, and also seem warped, it may be time to speak to a specialist about a new set, as your warped dentures will be completely unwearable.
Do You Soak Dentures in Hot or Cold Water?
One of the most important things to know when it comes to soaking your dentures, is the temperature of the water you’re soaking them in. Do you soak dentures in hot or cold water? First and foremost, do not soak them in hot water as it will warp your dentures and they’ll become unusable.
Whether you’re cleaning or soaking them, make sure you’re using cold water, this will protect the dentures from any misshaping and keep them moistened and comfortable when you wear them again. If you’re simply soaking them (and they have already been cleaned) cold, tap water, or distilled water are perfectly adequate solutions.
Looking for a Trusted Dental Prosthetist?
If you have any further questions relating to our blog “should you keep dentures in water overnight“, contact us at Pearl Denture Studio today to discuss. If you’re after a dental specialist to start the process of acquiring your own set, browse our complete denture service online today and book an appointment with one of our studios.