What happens if you sleep with dentures in

Sleeping in dentures can irritate the gums and trap plaque, so remove them at night, clean them, and rest the tissues.

A denture replaces missing teeth with an acrylic or metal-based appliance carrying artificial teeth. While it is worn, the base covers gum tissue and receives chewing forces; overnight removal lets the mucosa recover and makes cleaning the denture and mouth easier.

Take the denture out, brush it with a denture brush and mild soap, and clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth separately. Store it in water or the solution recommended for its material, and do not use hot water because heat can distort the base.

Arrange an examination for persistent redness, swelling, bleeding, burning, ulcers, bad taste, or a denture that repeatedly rubs. Urgent care is appropriate for rapidly increasing facial swelling, fever, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether the fit is applying pressure to a particular area, whether the denture needs adjustment or relining, and how to clean its acrylic, metal clasps, and storage case. Also ask whether an oral infection or another gum condition could be causing the soreness.