A new study in the Journal of Dental Research shows that the risk for pneumonia doubles in elderly patients who don’t take their dentures out overnight, possibly due to the growth of microorganisms. This study confirms the importance of good oral health and hygiene in elderly patients.

The take-home message? Don’t sleep with dentures in your mouth. Take them out so your gum tissues can “breathe,” and clean your dentures thoroughly at least once a day with a soft denture brush. While out of your mouth, the dentures should be soaked in a denture cleansing solution.

Good oral health and hygiene is important at any age. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. Have your teeth and mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.