Regardless of whether you have recently obtained a new set of dentures at a full-service dental office or have been wearing dentures for a while, you might struggle with gum pain and irritation. In this article, we discuss tips for overcoming denture soreness.
Tips for Overcoming Denture Soreness
Unfortunately, gum soreness when wearing dentures is common. Explore the options below to overcome this issue.
Adhere to a Diet
Eating foods that are too hard to chew when wearing dentures can cause them to move around in the mouth and rub the gums or snap off entirely, causing pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, dentures can provide only up to 25-30% of natural chewing force, so it is better to stick to a softer diet to avoid gum soreness. Examples of such diets include:
- Pureed or soft-boiled vegetables
- Boiled eggs and omelets
- Soups
- Soft pasta and bread without seeds
Also, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day and keep your mouth moist with enough saliva. Adequate saliva is necessary for dentures, as it will make the dentures more comfortable and aid in removing bacteria from them. Drink enough water and try using saliva-substitute products if your mouth is too dry during the day.
Let Your Gums Rest
If you experience a lot of discomfort and pain from gum irritation, let your gums rest for a couple of days, and do not wear your dentures. You can switch to a liquid diet for this period. If not wearing dentures at all for multiple days is not possible, try to at least remove them every day for as long as you can, and do not wear them at night. You can get back to your preferred amount of time wearing dentures once your gums are fully healed.
Reduce the Inflammation
Some solutions, such as salt water or camomile rinses, aloe vera gel designed for use in the mouth, and others, can significantly reduce the irritation of the soft tissue of your gums. Ask your dentist to recommend a suitable solution for you.
Make Sure Your Dentures Fit Right
Often, gum soreness and pain stem from your dentures not fitting properly. It may be time to replace your dentures with a new set if you have been wearing them for several years. Without teeth to help maintain shape, our jawbones tend to reduce in density over time, so it is natural to require changes to your dentures every once in a while.
If your dentures are new, you might get used to them soon, and the soreness will go away. However, if this does not seem to be the case, consult your dentist. Your dentures might need adjustments, after which they should fit more comfortably.
Make Sure Your Dentures Are Not Broken
Scratches, cracks, or any other type of damage to your dentures can lead to them hurting your gums. Examine your dentures for signs of damage and replace your appliances as soon as possible if you notice any. It is also harder to effectively clean broken dentures because bacteria can linger in the cracks and scratches, causing additional inflammation of the gums.
Try a Denture Adhesive
Snapping dentures or dentures that do not fit snugly around your gums will inevitably irritate your mouth. A special denture adhesive might help your dentures fit better and be more secure in the mouth. You can ask your dentist to recommend the brands of adhesive most suitable for you and your type of dentures.
Take Pain Medication
If you experience significant pain during the denture adjustment period, try over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen, or a special gel designed to relieve the pain in the mouth. Make sure to adhere to the medication instructions and never exceed the recommended dose.
Practice Efficient Oral and Denture Hygiene
Bacteria, plaque, and tartar that accumulate on your gums and dentures can be an additional source of irritation and inflammation of the gums. Make sure to maintain efficient oral and denture hygiene according to your dentist’s recommendation to avoid the issue. Do not forget to soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution for a deep clean.
Rule Out Allergies
Some people might be allergic to ingredients in denture adhesives or to the acrylic material the dentures are made of. Such allergies can cause gum swelling and irritation and, as a result, pain and soreness of the gums. Consult your dentist and GP to establish if the symptoms you are experiencing indicate allergies.
Make an Appointment with a Leading Denture Specialist
Tropic Dental Care provides patients with reliable and high-quality dentures in Riverside. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with our dental office today to get comfortable and well-fitting dentures. We look forward to your visit.
