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If the pain persists after making the changes mentioned in this article, talk to your dentist for a professional opinion.
Before going back to your dentist, here are a few things you can try during the adjustment period:
If you’re experiencing denture pain, visiting your dentist is the best option. They can determine the cause and treat any underlying issues.
There are many different ways dentists can modify dentures, which include:
As mentioned above, most people develop sore or sensitive gums when they start wearing dentures. It takes time to adjust to them.
However, persistent sore gums can be a sign of ill-fitting dentures. The dentures might be cutting into your gum tissue, especially if the pain worsens with time, and professional adjustments will be necessary.
It’s best to schedule an appointment with a dentist so they can address the problem. Professional adjustments can help prevent denture sores from occurring.
Aside from ill-fitting dentures, common causes of sore gums from dentures include:
Food particles can get trapped between your dentures and gum tissue, leading to irritation, pain, and discomfort. Cleaning your dentures properly helps remove food particles before bacteria and plaque accumulation occurs.
Bacteria in your mouth mix with food particles to create plaque. Bacteria and plaque buildup can cause major oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
In addition to preventing sore gums, practicing good oral hygiene will help you avoid other dental issues.
Commonly called oral thrush, denture stomatitis is a fungal infection in the mouth. Thrush is caused by candida overgrowth, and the telltale signs are red, inflamed gums and mouth sores.
Like the above two causes, good oral hygiene goes a long way in preventing denture stomatitis. Avoiding wearing your dentures overnight will also reduce your risk.
Some signs you need denture adjustments include:
You can accidentally break an artificial tooth by dropping or putting too much pressure on your dentures.
If you break a denture tooth, don’t attempt to reattach it yourself. Take your dentures to the dentist for professional repair.
You may notice chips, pitting, or cracks on your dentures. You should have your dentist fill in these defects so they don’t become more significant over time.
Because your mouth changes over time, the alignment of your dentures can change, making it difficult to chew.
Talk to your dentist if you experience sore spots, uneven pressure, or other uncomfortable symptoms. They will check for oral health problems and adjust your dentures if needed.
Your dentures keep your cheeks looking full and even, just like natural teeth. If you observe any changes in your cheeks’ or jawline’s appearance, your dentures likely need adjustments.
If your dentures fit poorly or if the fit changes suddenly, they likely need an adjustment to reduce the pain or discomfort.
Here’s how they should fit:
Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause pressure sores. Pressure sores develop when the dentures put more pressure on specific areas of the gums.
If a pressure sore develops, it is a good indicator that your dentures need to be adjusted.
Symptoms of gum irritation include:
You can prevent gum irritation by maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine. Visit your dentist for evaluation and denture adjustments as needed.
Dentures can exacerbate some oral conditions, including mouth sores. You might develop infections like candidiasis or oral thrush if you don’t maintain adequate oral health while wearing dentures.
After extended use, dentures can develop stains or odors. To prevent stains or odors, practice proper denture care.
If you notice any discoloration or smell, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can inspect the dentures for any defects or replace them if necessary. Some dental offices use special ultrasonic equipment to deep clean dentures.
When you start wearing new dentures, you might experience speech changes, including slurring and/or lisping.
These issues should disappear as you become used to the dentures. However, if they return or you experience any other speech changes, professional adjustments will help.
Denture sores usually appear as red or white areas of swollen gum tissue. The sores can make it painful to chew and swallow, and severe sores can make it difficult to speak.
To prevent sore gums, practice adequate denture care and remove your dentures before going to sleep. These minor adjustments will reduce bacteria in your mouth, which can cause sore gums and other issues.
Some tips to keep your dentures clean include:
Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth. They’re designed to fill out your facial profile and improve your appearance. Dentures also make it easier to eat, chew, and speak.
There are different types of dentures available, including:
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort and gum soreness when you first start wearing dentures. Fortunately, there are things you can do to heal denture sores and prevent them from returning.
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