Dentures are a life-changing tooth replacement option for people who are missing multiple, most of, or all of their teeth. They are able to restore the appearance and function of your smile! However, gum irritation and sores in the mouth aren’t uncommon. Continue reading to learn why denture sores occur as well as some ways that you can get rid of them.
What Causes Denture Sores?
There are multiple different causes of denture sores. Here are some of the most common ones:
- New Dentures: When you first get new dentures, it can take some time for the mouth to adjust to them, leading to temporary irritation.
- Poorly Fitting Dentures: Dentures that are loose or don’t fit as they should rub against and cut into the gums, resulting in sores.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If food particles are getting stuck between your gums and dentures, this can result in irritation or even infection over time.
How Can You Get Rid of Denture Sores?
A variety of remedies can help to ease and reduce denture sores:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: These can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort as the sore spots are healing.
- Saltwater Rinses: Rinsing with warm salt water is commonly recommended for mouth sores. Just combine ¼ cup of warm water with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until it dissolves, then swish in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit. This can be done up to four times a day.
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: When you have denture sores, excellent oral hygiene is needed to prevent infections. This means brushing your dentures as instructed and soaking them in a denture cleaner to kill bacteria. Dentures may not be able to get cavities, but they can collect plaque and harbor bacteria, resulting in irritation and a foul odor.
- Allow Your Mouth to Rest: Be sure to take out your dentures every night before going to bed. This way, the sores have a chance to heal and your mouth has the opportunity to rest.
- Talk to Your Dentist: If your denture sores are becoming a frequent problem, you should give your dentist a call. It could be the case that you’re in need of a denture reline so that it fits more securely. In other cases, it may need to be refitted.
If you have concerns regarding irritation in your mouth, try some of the tips listed above and talk to your dentist. You deserve a comfortable, fully functional smile!
About the Author
Dr. Derek Funk is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly a decade. He earned his dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of GP Orthodontics. For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (979) 548-2184.