Your dentures were custom made for your individual mouth. Following a brief adjustment period, they should fit securely and comfortably for five to ten years. But sometimes, as you age, your mouth may begin to change shape, causing your dentures to lose that proper fit. In addition to being difficult to use, they may become uncomfortable to wear, and painful denture sores may develop. Here’s what you can do if you get them, and how to prevent them from coming back.
Defining Denture Sores
Denture sores are what happens when your gums become painful, swollen, and irritated underneath your dentures. Although they may develop for many reasons, they are typically caused by pressure on the nerves in your gums from your dentures. They may also appear due to a gum infection.
How Do I Treat Denture Sores?
In order to treat your denture sores properly, it’s important to first determine their cause. Although your dentist will need to do this in person, you can often pre-screen yourself by feeling the sore area of your gums with your finger. If it’s infected, it will likely feel tender or swollen. It may also be bleeding or leaking pus and may or may not be accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth.
If it’s not infected, the sores may be hard and small and will typically clear up on their own within a few weeks. Still, no matter what is causing them, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent new ones from developing.
Home Remedies for Preventing Denture Sores
In addition to treating your existing denture sores at the dentist and having your prosthetics examined to ensure they fit properly, here are a few steps you can take at home to help prevent new denture sores from forming:
- Be sure to clean your gums and any remaining teeth carefully when you remove your dentures. Your dentist recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush for both your mouth and your prosthetic; however, be sure that you are cleaning your dentures with a separate brush.
- Remove your dentures every night before you go to bed and leave them completely submerged in a glass of denture soak or water until you’re ready to use them again.
- Clean your prosthetics well each time you remove them, brushing every surface and flossing between each tooth.
- Using clove oil, gently massage your gums with your fingertips for 10 minutes a day, two or three times a week.
- Gargle with warm saltwater.
- If you are experiencing any discomfort, try an over-the-counter pain reliever on a temporary basis, but never rely on this in place of seeing your dentist for denture pain.
Remember, while painful sores are a common problem, that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as fact. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today and get the relief you need so you can get back to smiling, speaking, and eating comfortably with the help of your dentures!
About Our Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, our trio of caring and talented dentists want to help you smile comfortably. That’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of oral health solutions, including denture care and maintenance. If you are experiencing denture sores, ill fitting prosthetics, or you’re ready to restore your smile for the first time, schedule a consultation with us to discuss the many benefits of these dynamic restorations. You can request an appointment right on our website, or call us directly at 815-462-9990.