Preventing Denture Irritation: Tips to Avoid Pain & Sore Spots

Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Jade Roberts

Fact Checked by Jaismine Singh (General Dentist)

Jaismine Singh is a general dental practitioner, currently working in a charitable hospital. She has a strong interest in dental and medical writing and has a track record of many types of publications. She has expertise in writing and fact-checking book chapters and review articles. During her academic years, she was involved in research and presented papers and posters.

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If you have damaged or lost teeth for any reason, dentures provide a solution that enables you to do almost anything you did with your natural teeth. You may need some time to adjust, but false teeth will allow you to smile, speak, and eat as usual.

Wearing dentures or other types of dental prostheses often leads to denture irritation. This manifests as discomfort, pain, or inflammation in the mouth, and a variety of factors can cause it.

Here’s some useful information about denture irritation and pain, including tips to stop dentures from hurting.

What Causes Denture Irritation and Why Does it Occur?

Denture irritation is often caused by friction or pressure between your dentures and the soft tissue (ie. gums, tongue, and cheeks) in your mouth. This friction or pressure in your mouth can result in sore spots, blisters, or ulcers. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause irritation, inflammation, and discomfort by rubbing against your gums.

Denture irritation can also be caused by poor oral hygiene. Bacteria and food particles can build up if your dentures aren’t cleaned and sanitized properly. This can lead to infections and inflammation in your mouth. Other factors that can cause denture irritation include dry mouth, oral thrush, allergies, and teeth grinding. To avoid further discomfort and health issues, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause of denture irritation.

Common Causes of Denture Irritation

Numerous factors can contribute to denture irritation. For the purpose of preventing and treating this uncomfortable issue, it is crucial to understand the typical causes of denture irritation. Here are a few of the most typical causes of irritation from dentures:

• Poor-Fitting Dentures: One of the most frequent causes of denture irritability is improperly fitting dentures. Dentures can irritate and hurt the mouth and gums if they are not fitted to them properly. This may result in mouth ulcers, blisters, or sore spots.
• Pressure and Friction: Pressure and friction between the dentures and the mouth’s soft tissues can irritate them. Dentures that don’t fit properly, are either too tight or too loose, or both can contribute to this.
• Improper Care: Dentures that are not properly cleaned, sanitized, or stored in unclean water can cause irritation. Under the dentures, bacteria and food particles can gather, causing infections and mouth inflammation.
• Dry Mouth: Another typical contributor to irritation from dentures is dry mouth. It may increase the mouth’s susceptibility to inflammation and infections.
• Allergies: Some people might be allergic to the adhesives or materials used in denture construction, leading to inflammation and itchiness in the mouth.
• Oral Thrush: Oral thrush is a fungal infection that irritates the mouth. Denture wearers tend to experience it more frequently, as dentures can harbor bacteria and fungi that cause infections.
• Grinding Teeth: Grinding your teeth while wearing dentures can irritate your mouth and make the dentures uncomfortable to wear.

By identifying the common causes of denture irritation, you can prevent and treat the issue effectively.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Denture Irritation

Many people suffer from denture irritation, but they can take steps to prevent it before it starts. To avoid irritation, you must clean and maintain your dentures properly. Remove any food particles and bacteria by cleaning your dentures thoroughly every day. Also, don’t use abrasive or harsh cleaners which can damage dentures or irritate your mouth. Instead, clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, mild soap, or denture cleaner. Do not store dentures in unclean or warm water.

It’s also important to make sure the dentures fit properly to help prevent denture irritation. Dentures tend to wear out or become loose over time, which can irritate the mouth. To ensure a proper fit, it’s important to have them adjusted or replaced as needed. Additionally, it’s critical to keep your mouth healthy by brushing, flossing, and scheduling routine checkups and cleanings at the dentist. After getting new dentures, you should get your checkups done in 24 hours, 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. By following these instructions, it is possible to keep a comfortable and healthy mouth while avoiding denture irritation.

Denture irritation can also be avoided by using denture adhesives. By keeping the dentures in place, adhesives can lessen friction and pressure on the mouth’s soft tissues. Denture adhesives also contribute to the alleviation of dry mouth. However, it’s crucial to follow the adhesives’ instructions and refrain from using too much as this may result in a different kind of irritation. They should not be used as an aid to compensate for ill-fitted or broken dentures and patients should not use denture adhesives without appropriate guidance and instructions from the dentist.

It’s crucial to speak with a dentist or dental professional to determine the root cause of the irritation and get your best course of treatment despite taking preventative measures.

Simple At-Home Remedies to Relieve Denture Pain and Discomfort

Dealing with denture irritation can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Fortunately, there are natural home remedies that can reduce pain and discomfort caused by dentures.

Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water is a quick fix. Inflamed mouth sores can be relieved and reduced with salt water. To prepare the remedy, add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, and gargle for one to two minutes.

Utilizing a cold compress to reduce swelling and numb pain is another at-home treatment option for denture irritation. Simply hold a small ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables against the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a clean towel. This may lessen mouth inflammation and discomfort. Avoid keeping the cold compress on the skin for an extended period of time as this can harm the skin’s tissues.

To help relieve denture pain and discomfort, consider these additional tips:

• Over-the-counter pain relief (eg. ibuprofen)
• Avoid hard, crunchy food which can irritate your mouth,
• Remove your dentures at night and when you don’t need them, and
• Massage your gums gently to boost circulation and ease pain.

If the pain and discomfort persist or worsen, consult a dentist or dental professional to pinpoint and address the cause of the irritation.

Professional Treatment Options for More Serious Denture Irritation

Professional treatments might be required for denture irritation cases that are more severe. To determine the root of the irritation and suggest the best course of action, a dentist or other dental expert can examine the mouth and dentures. Having the dentures adjusted or relined is one remedy for denture itch. This entails adjusting the dentures to better fit the wearer and lessen friction and pressure on the mouth’s soft tissues. If the irritation is brought on by dentures that are too loose or too tight, this can be especially helpful.

Infections or inflammations can cause denture irritation and may require medication for treatment. This treatment might include antifungal medications for oral thrush or antibiotics for bacterial infections. In some instances, a dentist or dental professional might recommend a special mouthwash or oral rinse to reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, if denture irritation is caused by more serious underlying dental issues, it may require more extensive dental treatment. By seeking professional treatment for denture irritation, you can address the underlying issue and achieve long-term relief from discomfort and pain.

FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Denture Irritation

Conclusion

If you had your natural teeth removed due to pain and now suffer from denture irritation, it may seem as if there is no cure. However, your jaw structure and the gum tissue will eventually heal. When you first start wearing dentures your mouth and gums are not accustomed to the plates sitting where they sit.

If your gums are inflamed, dentures sitting and rubbing against them can result in sores developing. With time, patience, and saltwater, you should be able to resolve any denture gum irritation and enjoy your false teeth to the fullest.