Dentures can be a reliable and comfortable form of tooth replacement. Unfortunately, some patients begin to experience pain due to their prosthetic. What causes this issue, and what can you do about it? It is worth making an appointment with your dentist to receive professional guidance. In the meantime, you can read this basic guide on how to get rid of denture sores.
What Causes Denture Sores?
The two most likely causes of denture sores are:
- Poorly fitting dentures. If your dentures do not fit well, they can continually shift in your mouth, rubbing against your sensitive gum tissues. Over time, this can cause significant discomfort and may even lead to small lesions.
- Missteps in oral hygiene. Bacteria and food particles may accumulate on the bottom of your dentures or on your gums. This may cause discomfort, unpleasant odors, sores, and other issues.
How to Help Denture Sores Heal
Dentures sores may take anywhere from a week to 10 days to heal. If you take extra care, they might clear up even faster than that.
Here are some basic things you can do to minimize your discomfort and encourage healing:
- Manage your pain. Topical anesthetics and over-the-counter pain medications can dull the irritation and pain you may be experiencing.
- Rinse with salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water. Rinse with the solution several times a day. This can calm inflammation and speed up your recovery.
- Be sure to remove your denture overnight. Removing your prosthetic for several hours overnight can give your gums a chance to rest and recover.
- Watch for signs of infection. If a denture sore starts to bleed, becomes extremely swollen, emits pus, or exhibits other signs of infection, you should visit your dentist right away. You may need a course of antibiotics.
How to Prevent Future Sores
You can reduce your risk of developing denture sores again the future by taking some practical precautions:
- Ask your dentist about a reline. If your denture does not fit well, you may need to get it adjusted so it is more secure in your mouth.
- Be extra-diligent about oral hygiene. You should clean your gums with a soft brush every day. You should also soak your denture in a cleaning solution and gently brush it to get rid of bacteria and food accumulations.
- Investigate implant dentures. Implant dentures are stabilized by prosthetic tooth roots. They are less likely to cause sores than their traditional counterparts.
Denture sores can be annoying and painful! Ask for your dentist’s guidance, and use the above tips to successfully deal with this issue.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, skilled oral care experts at Willow Run Dental Association offer a broad range of dentures, including denture design, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Auburn office at 207-352-2825.