It’s perfectly normal to feel a little “teething” pain when you’re getting used to new dentures. Remember how much you hated going to school those first few weeks? But, instead of giving up and sleeping in, you went to school every morning and learned how to read properly! What we’re trying to say is that the beginning is always the hardest, but with time it always gets better.
You may have sore or sensitive gums until you get adjusted, but the good news is you can ease the discomfort. Read on to learn about why you get denture sores, how to heal denture sores, and how you can prevent sore gums.
What Causes Denture Sores, Pain and Discomfort?
So what is the reason behind denture sores and denture irritation? Most of the time, any pain or discomfort is due to new or badly fitting dentures. New dentures may need some time to adjust to, so a little irritation is perfectly normal. Poorly fitting dentures – ones that are loose or don’t fit properly –can cause the denture to rub the gums or even cut into the gums, and it’s something you can easily fix with the help of your dentist. Sometimes you may even have sore gums from partial dentures.
Another reason for sore gums could be due to food particles getting stuck between your gums and your dentures. You may also have sore gums due to a build-up of bacteria, which can happen when you don't clean your dentures properly. You can also prevent food from getting between the denture and gum line with a denture adhesive, like Fixodent, which can help prevent sores due to rogue food particles.
What Are the Symptoms of Denture Sores?
It might seem obvious that the main symptom of denture sores is, well, sore gums. This soreness might be localized in different areas though, for instance you may have denture sores on the roof of your mouth, or just around where your partial is located. You might feel a little irritation, soreness, discomfort, or even pain.
How Can I Heal Denture Sores?
Since most denture sores are due to poorly fitting dentures, the best course of action is to go to your dentist to get them checked out. You might need your denture adjusted or refitted so it sits better, which will reduce the irritation on your gums.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Denture Sores?
Is there anything else you can do to make life with dentures easier? Yes, there are a few little home tricks that may help reduce denture discomfort, however always consult your dentist for advice before trying any home remedies.
- Use topical anesthetic. Your dentist may recommend a topical anesthetic, like those containing benzocaine, to help relieve pain caused by dentures.
- Rinse your mouth with salty water.
- Use pain relief medication. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relief to help reduce inflammation, pain and discomfort.
- Remove your dentures overnight. Taking your dentures out for the night gives your gums a chance to breathe and relax a bit.
- Soak your dentures overnight. Put your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or water to soak.
How Can I Prevent Sore Gums from Dentures?
They say prevention is better than a cure, and the same applies to sore gums. There are some measures you can take to prevent denture sores, like:
- Remove your dentures overnight.
- Clean your dentures daily. Remove any food particles so they won’t irritate your gums, not to mention regular cleaning can also help remove tartar from dentures.
- Eat soft foods. If you have new dentures, you can ease into them by starting with soft foods.
- Avoid sticky food. Although you can eat anything with dentures once you’re used to them, you can avoid sore gums or even ease any irritation by avoiding sticky food. If you’re new to dentures, you can see the best foods to eat for new denture wearers.
- Use denture adhesive. A denture adhesive, like Fixodent, can help prevent gum pain as it prevents food particles from getting between the gums and dentures. It also keeps the denture in place to stop it from moving and irritating your gums, providing your denture is fitted correctly.
- Avoid triggers like hot, spicy, acidic or salty beverages. Food and drink that’s too hot or spicy can irritate denture sores more.
Life with new dentures is not always easy, especially when you’re struggling with denture pain and soreness. The good news is that it’s easy to treat sore gums from dentures with a well-fitting denture, a little adhesive and by getting started with the right foods. In no time, wearing dentures will be comfortable, secure, and you’ll be back to enjoying life with more bite.
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