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Posted on 11/17/2015 by Fairmount Dental Center |
 When you received your dentures, your dentist probably instructed you to take them out each night to soak. However, you may be wondering what the big deal actually is regarding removing your dentures. While sleeping with your dentures in could cause a variety of potential problems, there is one that many people don't know about - sleeping with dentures could actually increase your risk of developing pneumonia. Dentures and PneumoniaA recent study indicated that when combining sleeping with the dentures in and poor oral health, senior citizens could be at a heightened risk of contracting pneumonia. This is thought to be primarily an issue regarding dental hygiene concerns, as older adults tend to forget to clean their dentures regularly. Poor dental hygiene, including failing to properly clean the dentures to eliminate viruses and harmful bacteria, can cause illness that may develop into pneumonia.Seniors tend to be more susceptible to developing pneumonia simply because of their age. When the bacteria that get stuck in between the teeth and around the gums are allowed to grow, they can contribute to pneumonia when they are breathed in during sleep. Then, they can get stuck in the lungs, accumulating and causing an infection. This is why it is so important to regularly visit with your dentist and to maintain a high level of standards in dental self-care. While it is not recommended to sleep with dentures in, if you decide to do so, you should be sure to remove, brush, and rinse them daily. Use a denture cleaner rather than toothpaste, which can be too abrasive for your appliance. Additionally, be sure to rinse out your mouth with mouthwash after your dentures have been cleaned. If you need additional tips on how to keep your dentures clean and healthy, be sure to contact our office. Periodic checkups are also recommended to make sure that your dentures still fit properly. |
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