Why You Shouldn’t Sleep With Your Dentures

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Elderly woman placing dentures into glass of water for proper overnight storage and cleaning

November 19, 2025

Why You Shouldn’t Sleep With Your Dentures - Everything You Need to Know

At the end of a long day, it might seem easier to just leave your dentures in and crawl into bed. No harm done, right? Maybe not.

Keeping dentures in overnight can quietly cause a bunch of problems most people don’t see coming until it’s too late.

If you’ve been wearing dentures for years (or just got started), here’s what you really need to know about bedtime habits and how they affect your mouth.

What Happens When You Sleep With Dentures

Your gums need downtime. Think of it like this: would you wear the same shoes 24/7 and expect your feet to feel great? Probably not.

Dentures press on the soft tissues in your mouth all day long. Nighttime is the only chance those tissues get to breathe, recover, and stay healthy.

When dentures stay in your mouth overnight, bacteria and yeast have a field day. Your mouth gets drier, which lets those microbes grow faster. That can lead to infections, funky breath, and even sore spots that make eating tough.

Bottom line? Leaving dentures in while you sleep doesn’t just make your mouth uncomfortable, it sets the stage for bigger health issues later.

Older adult sleeping comfortably in bed after removing dentures for the night — Removing dentures before bed allows your gums to rest and recover, promoting better oral health.

The Health Risks of Overnight Wear

Here’s what happens when overnight wear becomes a habit:

Denture stomatitis: A fungal infection that often flies under the radar until pain sets in. Learn more about how different denture materials can affect your oral health.
Jawbone resorption: Constant pressure wears your jawbone down faster. That means loose-fitting dentures and more trips for adjustments.
Persistent bad breath: Dentures trap food and bacteria. When they sit there all night, that smell gets locked in.‍
Higher infection risk: For older adults, sleeping in dentures has been linked to a higher risk of pneumonia. That’s not a scare tactic, it’s a real issue backed by medical studies.

The takeaway? These problems don’t show up overnight (ironically). But they do build up with time.

Pulling your dentures out before bed is one of the easiest ways to avoid them.

Why Some People Keep Dentures In Overnight

If you’re someone who sleeps in dentures, you’re definitely not alone. Lots of people do it out of habit.

Others feel awkward taking them out, especially if they share a bedroom or just don’t like seeing themselves without teeth.

And let’s be honest: sometimes you’re just tired and forget. It happens.

Others were never told to take them out. Denture care advice can be inconsistent, especially if you didn’t have much follow-up after getting your first set.

Whatever the reason, it’s not about blame. But it is worth reassessing. Even if you’ve done it for years, you can still turn things around.

Benefits of Removing Dentures at Night

Taking your dentures out before bed might feel like a hassle at first, but it pays off in the long run. Here’s why:

Less irritation: Your gums recover, which means fewer sore spots and less inflammation.
Better breath: You’ll notice it. Others might too.
Longer-lasting dentures: Giving them a break helps preserve their shape and fit.
More comfort in the morning: Less tightness, less gunk, less regret.

Think of it like giving your mouth a chance to reset every night. That small break can make a big difference.

Person cleaning dentures with specialized soft-bristle denture brush for proper nighttime care — Brush your dentures gently with a soft-bristle brush before soaking them overnight.

A Practical Nighttime Denture Routine

No need for a complicated 10-step routine. Here’s what works:

Pop them out before bed.
Rinse them under warm water to get rid of any buildup.
Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth (with a separate toothbrush)!
Soak the dentures overnight, ideally in a cleaning solution, but water is fine too

Simple, affordable, and something you can stick to. If cost is a concern, there are budget-friendly cleaning solutions out there, and some are even covered under Canada’s Dental Care Plan.

For new denture wearers still adjusting, check out our complete guide on adjusting to new dentures, which covers care tips beyond the nighttime routine.

When to See a Denturist

Not sure if your dentures are still fitting right? These are the signs to look out for:

Redness that doesn’t go away
Sore spots that flare up regularly
Bad breath even after cleaning
Trouble chewing or speaking clearly

If you notice any of that, it’s time for a check-in. Saberton proudly offers free consultations and can help spot issues before they become bigger problems. Book one today at any of our 8 Ontario locations.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shame in having worn dentures overnight for years, but now that you know the risks, making a change is easy and worth it.

A few minutes at bedtime can protect your smile, your comfort, and your health in the long run.

Need help figuring out the right care routine, or want to check if your current dentures are still doing their job? Book a free consultation with Saberton.

We work with the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and offer flexible payment plans to make quality denture care accessible.

No pressure, no sales pitch, just good advice from people who know dentures inside and out.

Book Your Free Consultation Today!

Book your free consultation today and let’s find a denture solution that works for you!

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