Patient Portal
Dentures can be a life-changing solution to missing teeth, providing a variety of amazing benefits like the ability to smile, eat, and speak clearly. But sometimes, those miraculous prosthetics may cause an uncomfortable issue known as denture sores. Here’s why they form and what you can do to treat them!
What are Denture Sores?
Denture sores are the term used to describe when your gums are swollen, painful, and irritated underneath your dentures. Though they can develop for a variety of reasons, they are most often caused by nerves in your gums being pressed on by your prosthetic. In some cases, it may just be because your denture plate doesn’t adjust well to your gums; however, in other situations it could actually be a gum infection.
Treating Denture Sores
If you notice a denture sore, your first step should be to determine whether not it is infected. You can check this yourself by feeling the gum with your finger. If it is infected, it may feel tender or swollen, bleeding, leaking pus, or you may have a bad taste in your mouth, and you will need to see your dentist or doctor to begin treatment with antibiotics.
If it does not appear to be infected (may be hard, small, and should disappear on its own within about two weeks), it is recommended that you see your dentist sooner than later, as you may need your prosthetic adjusted to prevent future sores from forming.
Home Remedies
In the meantime, there are several home remedies you can try to help ease the discomfort of denture sores and stop new ones from developing. These include:
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your gums and any remaining teeth as well as for your denture. However, be sure to use a different toothbrush for your mouth than you do for your prosthetic.
- Be sure to remove your dentures every night before you go to bed. Clean them thoroughly and leave them fully submerged in a glass of water or denture soak until you are ready to wear them again.
- Chew food slowly and carefully so as not to irritate the nerves of your gums.
- Gently massage your gums with your fingertips for about ten minutes a day, two or three times a week.
- Rub clove oil on your gums (available at pharmacies).
- Gargle warm saltwater.
- Take an OTC pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the short-term. Never rely on pain medicine in lieu of having your dentures adjusted.
Remember, denture sores are common but an important sign that you may need to have your prosthetics adjusted. If you notice new ones forming, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, try these helpful tips for managing any discomfort, and you’ll be smiling again before you know it.
About Dr. Seif
Dr. Ashraf Seif earned his first dental degree at the Lattakia University Dental School in Syria, and his second from the Loma Linda School of Dentistry here in The United States. He has proudly attended the prestigious Pikos Institute for dental implant training and is an active member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. To schedule an appointment for dentures at Baytown Gentle Dental, visit our website or call 281-837-9122.