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Did you know improper denture storage can increase your risk of denture stomatitis--a condition that affects 20-60% of denture wearers ? This common infection, caused by bacteria and fungi, can lead to redness, irritation, and discomfort. Dentures require proper care to avoid oral health problems, warping, and an uncomfortable fit. Knowing how to store dentures overnight helps you keep them fresh, reduce the risk of infections, and ensure they feel great when you put them back in every morning. Take a look at our dentures maintenance guide for help. You'll find some good tips on storing dentures and avoiding common mistakes almost every denture wearer makes. A little care goes a long way in protecting your dentures and your smile. Why Remove Dentures at Night Wearing dentures 24/7 might seem convenient, but your gums need a break. Removing them at night allows your gums to rest and promotes healthy blood circulation, reducing the risk of soreness and irritation. It also helps stimulate saliva production, which naturally fights bacteria and keeps your mouth healthier. Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Failing to remove dentures at night can increase your risk of infections like denture stomatitis or burning mouth syndrome . Even if you don't end up with an infection, leaving dentures in while you sleep can lead to redness and irritation. By practicing denture care overnight, you reduce the risk of infection and wake up with fresher, more comfortable dentures. Remember, good oral health leads to better overall health! Cleaning Dentures Before Storage A quick rinse isn't enough! Before storing dentures overnight, they need a full cleaning. Follow this simple cleaning routine every night to help maintain clean dentures (it also helps with extending denture longevity): Use a soft-bristled denture brush Choose a denture-safe cleanser Avoid regular toothpaste Rinse dentures thoroughly A soft-bristled denture brush and denture-safe cleanser remove food particles and plaque without scratching the surface, unlike regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive. After brushing, rinsing thoroughly with water ensures no cleaner residue remains. Dentures are a popular way to replace lost teeth , and correct cleaning techniques will help maintain your new smile. How to Store Dentures Overnight Correctly Choosing the right nighttime denture storage method depends on the type of dentures you have. Most full dentures should be soaked in a denture-specific cleaning solution. Effervescent tablets help break down bacteria, stains, and plaque. Some partial dentures, especially those with metal components, may require dry storage to prevent corrosion. Others can be stored in lukewarm water to keep them moist. Tip: While implant-supported dentures often have metal components, they're not removable like partial dentures. Always check with your dentist to determine the best storage method for your specific dentures. Choosing the Right Storage Container Choosing the right storage container is essential for keeping your dentures clean, safe, and in good condition. Denture cups with secure lids help maintain moisture and protect against dust and bacteria, with some even offering built-in soaking compartments for added convenience. Denture cases with ventilation holes allow for better airflow, reducing the risk of trapped moisture that can encourage mold or odor. Glass jars may seem like a simple option. Be careful--jars are easy to tip over and lack ventilation, which may lead to bacterial growth. If you're not sure about a storage container, ask your dentist for their recommendations. Proper Handling and Care Proper nighttime denture storage begins with careful handling to avoid cracks, breaks, and unnecessary wear. Clean them over a soft towel or a sink filled with water to cushion any accidental drops. Be gentle! Holding dentures too tightly can cause stress fractures, weakening the material over time. To minimize damage, use both hands to place dentures gently in their storage container. Gentle handling, combined with the right storage container, helps preserve the shape and fit of your dentures . Common Mistakes to Avoid Taking care of your dentures is a lot easier than you might think, but it's easy to make mistakes. Whether you're new to wearing dentures or have had them for years, it's important to know what to avoid. Here are some of the most common errors denture wearers make that can affect comfort and longevity: Letting dentures dry out Soaking in hot water Using harsh cleaning tools Cleaning with strong chemicals Without enough moisture, dentures can shrink slightly, affecting their fit. Hot water can warp them, which leads to discomfort and the need for adjustments. Scrubbing with abrasive tools or using harsh chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide can scratch, discolor, or weaken your dentures. When you have your denture fitting, talk to your dentist about how to avoid common denture pitfalls! Storing Dentures FAQs If you still have questions about denture care and storage, check out these frequently asked questions. They'll help clear up any confusion and offer a little extra guidance. What Are the Best Soaking Solutions? Your dentist will likely suggest effervescent tablets or antimicrobial rinses. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. What Is the Best Denture Storage Cup? Look for a container with a secure lid and proper ventilation, which will help keep your dentures safe, clean, and moisture-balanced overnight. What Are the Signs I'm Not Storing My Dentures Correctly? Bad odor, stains, discomfort, or changes in fit can indicate improper storage. These are also signs of poor cleaning techniques. How Often Should I Clean My Denture Storage Container? Clean the container daily. Use soap and water to prevent bacterial buildup. Are Dentures Easier to Care for Than Implants? Cleaning and storing dentures isn't that difficult, but it does take time. Implants may be more convenient since you'll only need a toothbrush and toothpaste for cleaning. Your Path to Comfortable Dentures Starts Here Now that you know how to store dentures overnight, stick to gentle cleaning methods and always check with your dentist for advice before trying new techniques or solutions. At A+ Family Dentistry, we offer personalized care and expert advice to ensure your dentures fit well and stay in top condition. With three convenient locations in San Diego County, we've proudly served the community since 2002.  Schedule an appointment today , and let us help you maintain your smile!

Here's another excellent reason to keep your teeth and gums in top shape: MedicalNewsToday.com says scientists have established a link between poor oral health , gum disease, and cognitive decline. They believe that the bacteria behind gum disease may contribute to the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. If you have existing gum disease, don't worry. There are several ways to fight it, including minimally invasive laser treatment for gums. Our dental office serves Poway, Sorrento Valley, and San Diego, CA. In this guide, the caring team at A+ Family Dentistry will explore gum disease laser treatment. Read on to discover how it works and its many revolutionary benefits.  How Laser Gum Surgery Procedure Works for Periodontal Disease According to NIH MedlinePlus, periodontal (gum) disease affects 42% of American adults 30 and older. Its prevalence increases with age, with nearly 60% of adults 65 and older having some form of the disease. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent tooth loss. Laser procedures are a less invasive and more innovative dental treatment that lets your San Diego, Sorrento Valley, or Poway dentist treat gum disease at all stages. Here's how they'll use laser treatment to help with your condition. Comprehensive Assessment First, your oral healthcare team will thoroughly assess your teeth and gums. It can help them identify all possible oral and overall health problems and their severity. Your dentist will then determine the best course of action based on their findings. For example, if you also have tooth decay, they will likely recommend treating them with fillings and root canal therapy (if necessary). They'll also tell you if you're a good candidate for laser gum disease treatment . Scaling and Root Planing Suppose your gums have pulled away from your teeth and formed gaps called "pockets." If the pockets have grown too deep and are full of plaque and tartar, your dentist will perform a scaling and root planing procedure first. The procedure removes the build-up from the pockets, making it a crucial first-line treatment for periodontal disease . Removal of Diseased Gum Tissues With the Laser Your dentist will then use the laser to remove diseased gum tissues. Advances in laser dentistry have made these devices so precise that they only target diseased gums . Thus, you don't have to worry about the light damaging or removing healthy tissues. The lasers also eliminate disease-causing bacteria from the pockets. Ultrasonic Cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning devices, also called ultrasonic scalers, generate high-frequency sound waves. After cleaning the pockets and removing damaged tissue and germs, your dentist in Sorrento Valley , Poway, or San Diego will switch to these tools. The waves from ultrasonic scalers create vibrations. When paired with water pressure, they can effectively break down tartar. So, with this combination, you can get a deeper, more thorough teeth and gum cleaning from your Poway, Sorrento Valley, or San Diego dentist . Finishing Up With Laser After the ultrasonic cleaning, your dentist will use the laser again to eliminate any remaining debris at the bottom of the gum pockets. The laser also disinfects tissue and bone and stimulates blood clot formation. Blood clotting helps speed the healing process and encourages gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. So, there's no need for stitches if you choose laser treatment for your gum disease . The Revolutionary Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment With proper use, lasers allow your dentist to accomplish complex tasks more precisely without relying on extensive surgical operations. Here's what this means if you opt for laser gum treatment. Reduced Blood Loss One of the many benefits of laser gum treatment is less bleeding. Remember, it doesn't create incisions and only targets infected tissues. Moreover, the laser cauterizes blood vessels. Cauterization effectively seals the vessels, reducing blood loss during and after the procedure. Decrease Post-Treatment Discomfort An article published on PubMed Central points out that laser use in surgical procedures decreases post-operative pain and inflammation. The same applies to laser gum treatment, as it only removes targeted tissue and leaves the rest intact. Not needing sutures also helps reduce discomfort after treatment. Minimize the Risk of Wound Infection Surgical wound infections occur when germs enter the cuts surgeons make during operations. When wounds become infected, they can cause: Delayed wound healing Tissue damage Abscess formation Pain, tenderness, and inflammation Fever Laser treatment helps minimize such risks because of its targeted approach, which doesn't require a highly skilled dentist to make incisions. Moreover, as mentioned above, it sterilizes and cauterizes tissues. As a result, it can further reduce the likelihood of germs entering the treatment area. All those benefits make laser gum treatment beneficial for eligible patients, but even more so for seniors who need oral care . It can be especially ideal for older adults as aging can impair immune functions and make them more prone to infections. Achieve Better Healing Due to its precision, sterilizing benefits, and cauterizing effects, laser treatment allows for better, faster healing. So, it's no wonder that highly skilled dentists use it for other general dentistry services , such as gum reshaping and lesion removal. Reduce the Risk of Tooth Loss After successful laser treatment, the gum tissues should begin recovering, and many patients heal after about a week. Once your gums are in good shape, they should become firmer and develop a healthy pink color. They should also adhere to and provide the teeth with more stable, robust support, keeping them in place and minimizing their risk of becoming loose and falling out. Your dentist will recommend strategies for optimal, ongoing periodontal care to help maximize the results of your treatment. In addition to brushing twice and flossing once daily, they may advise you to schedule dental visits twice yearly for gum monitoring and professional cleaning. Achieve Better Oral Health With Laser Treatment for Gums Laser treatment for gums is an innovative, minimally invasive method for combatting painful, tooth-loss-causing periodontal disease. So, if you have gum disease and want to regain control of your oral health, visit our dental office, A+ Family Dentistry. For over 20 years, we've helped patients throughout Poway, San Diego, and Sorrento Valley achieve healthier teeth and gums. We can do the same for you through our highly experienced dentists, compassionate staff, state-of-the-art technology, and the latest in periodontal care, general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Reach out today to learn how we can help and schedule your consultation!