Preventing Denture Irritation: Tips to Avoid Pain & Sore Spots

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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 are a solution that allows you to do almost everything you could do with your natural teeth. They may take a little getting used to, but false teeth will let you smile, speak and eat normally.

Here is some information and typical questions you may have regarding denture irritation and pain and how to stop dentures from hurting.

What is Denture Irritation and Why Does it Happen?

Denture irritation is a common problem that can occur when wearing dentures or other types of dental prostheses. It is characterized by discomfort, pain, or inflammation in the mouth, which can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the main causes of denture irritation is friction or pressure between the dentures and the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and cheeks. This can lead to sore spots, blisters, or ulcers in the mouth. Additionally, dentures that don’t fit properly can cause irritation by rubbing against the gums, resulting in inflammation and discomfort.

Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to denture irritation. If dentures are not properly cleaned and sanitized, bacteria and food particles can accumulate under the dentures, leading to infections and inflammation in the mouth. Other factors that can cause denture irritation include dry mouth, oral thrush, allergies, and grinding teeth. It is important to identify the underlying cause of denture irritation and address it appropriately to prevent further discomfort and potential health issues. Consulting with a dentist or dental professional is recommended to ensure the best course of treatment.

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 may have an allergy to the adhesives or materials used to make dentures. Inflammation and itchiness in the mouth may result from this.
• Oral thrush: A fungal infection that can irritate the mouth is known as oral thrush. Since dentures can harbor bacteria and fungi that cause infections, people with dentures tend to experience it more frequently.
• Grinding Teeth: If you grind your teeth while wearing dentures, it can irritate your mouth and make wearing dentures uncomfortable.

By understanding the common causes of denture irritation, you can take steps to prevent and treat the problem. It is important to consult with a dentist or dental professional to ensure the best course of treatment.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Denture Irritation Before it Happens

Many people may experience frustrating denture irritation, but there are steps that can be taken to stop it before it starts. In order to avoid irritation, dentures must be properly cleaned and maintained. Every day, you should thoroughly clean your dentures to get rid of any food particles and bacteria that might have collected there. Additionally, it’s crucial to refrain from using abrasive or harsh cleaners that could harm your 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.

Making sure the dentures fit properly is a crucial step in preventing denture irritation. Dentures have a tendency 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 numerous natural remedies that can be used at home to 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.

Other simple tricks to relieve denture pain and discomfort include using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, avoiding hard or crunchy foods that can irritate the mouth, removing dentures at night and when not in use, and gently massaging the gums to improve circulation and reduce pain. It’s important to note that these remedies are temporary and are not a substitute for professional dental care. If the pain and discomfort persist or worsen, it’s important to seek the advice of a dentist or dental professional to identify and treat the underlying 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.

In cases where denture irritation is caused by infection or inflammation, medication may be necessary to treat the problem. This can include antifungal medications for oral thrush or antibiotics for bacterial infections. In some cases, a dentist or dental professional may recommend a special mouthwash or oral rinse to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, if denture irritation is caused by a serious underlying dental issue, such as gum disease or tooth decay, more extensive dental treatment may be necessary to resolve the problem. By seeking professional treatment for denture irritation, it is possible to 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.