What do you do when your dentures are literally rubbing you the wrong way? You rely on them for oral support and, more importantly, eating and speaking! Yet here you are, developing ulcers, or inflammation, or plain ‘ol aches. How are you supposed to trust a device that has betrayed you so thoroughly?
Hold your horses cowboys and cowgirls. Some irritation is normal when your dentures are new or newly adjusted. Still, no one wants you to be uncomfortable. You’re just trying to live your best life, after all. Keep reading for denture sore causes and solutions.
Your Dentures Might Not Fit
You can expect some discomfort from new dentures, or dentures that have been recently resized. But if you’ve had your dentures for a while now, it could be because they simply no longer fit. It’s bound to happen over time! Fortunately, this is a simple fix. Give your dentist a call – they’ll be happy to take a look and fit you with a new partner.
There Could be Food or Bacteria Stuck in Your Dentures
Are you cleaning your dentures as instructed by your dentist? If not, that’s certainly one possible explanation as to why your gums are rioting. You should brush your dentures twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush and soak them in their special solution at night.
It’s also important to brush your mouth. Your gums, cheeks, and tongue can harbor harmful bacteria just as much as your prosthetic. Without a solid oral hygiene routine, bacteria will continue to pester your soft oral tissue and create sore spots.
Home Remedies for Denture Sores
Ultimately, your dentist will be able to alleviate your discomfort best. However, here are some home remedies you can try for immediate relief:
- Make a saltwater rinse. Salt is used as a preservative for a reason: it’s very good at slowing down bacteria.
- Take some pain relievers. Store-bought relievers like ibuprofen and Tylenol are particularly good at reducing inflammation.
- Apply numbing gel. Massaging numbing gel or other soothing topicals along your sore spots will provide some much-needed relief.
- Avoid difficult foods. Spicy, sticky, crunchy foods can be hard on your dentures and irritating for ulcers.
- Remove your dentures every night. Yes, wearing your dentures promotes your oral health. But not if you wear them 24/7! Give your hardworking gums a break by lightening their load.
Remember that these remedies should only be short-term solutions. If you find yourself using them for more than two weeks, you could have a certifiable problem on your hands. At that point, whether your dentures are new or not, you should visit your dentist.
Even when your trusty dentures are creating problems for your oral health, your dentist has your back. After a thorough investigation, they’ll report their findings and work with you to develop a plan of action. With their help, you’ll get back to enjoying life as usual.
About the Author
Dr. Lucia Perez Troisi practices at Troisi Dentistry in Chesapeake. She has over a decade of experience, meaning you can trust her to identify and treat the source of your dental sores. If your dentures are causing you trouble, Dr. Troisi will be happy to set them straight! You can contact her office at 757-548-1611 or explore her website for more information.