4 Tips For Treating Denture Pain
It is not difficult to identify denture pain… If the skin under your dentures in your mouth contains sensitive red areas or you can see white patches on your gums, you likely have denture sores or denture irritation. Dentures don’t typically cause pain and discomfort if they fit properly and you take good care of them. However, gum pain from dentures is common and can make life miserable if left untreated.
Denture pain relief and mitigation fit mainly into 2 categories:
- Immediate relief, and
- Preventative care to minimize future issues
Let’s take a look at some of the main ways to deal with denture pain in both these 2 categories so that you can continue to wear your false teeth with confidence.
Ways To Minimize Denture Pain
1. Keep Your Dentures Cleaned Properly
Cleaning false teeth regularly is different from brushing your natural teeth. Yes, it can be a little more work but when you keep them clean and fresh, your dentures will last longer.
Along with keeping your dentures clean, practice good oral hygiene, and your gums and mouth will stay healthy and strong. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
- Each evening you should clean your dentures thoroughly using a dental cleanser. The roof of your mouth and the places in your mouth that are covered by your false teeth should also be cleaned. This will reduce the likelihood of a build-up of bacteria that can result in gum irritation from dentures.
- Soaking your false teeth in water or a cleaning solution overnight is a habit worth picking up. That’s because the water will loosen particles that you were unable to brush away or were trapped in-between teeth. This makes brushing your false teeth easier in the morning.
- To create a healthy environment inside your mouth that fights bacteria, use good-quality denture toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Remember to wear your dentures regularly and properly each day. When you do this your gums and mouth get a regular workout with your dentures in place. Wearing them only occasionally, as well as all day and night, can cause sore gums from dentures which can result in denture sore spots developing. Giving your mouth a rest at night is important to improve your overall gum health.
For more tips on the best ways to clean your dentures, click here.
2. Eliminate Allergic Reactions
If you suffer from denture pain, you may be having an allergic reaction. Some denture wearers are allergic to the materials contained in denture cleansers, adhesives, and sometimes the denture material as well.
Allergic reactions to any of these elements can result in denture blister growth, a burning sensation, and gum irritation. If you are allergic to these materials, consult with your dentist in order to locate an alternative.
3. Go Slow With Your First Few Meals
If you are a new denture wearer, you have to give your mouth and gums an opportunity to get used to the new items that will be inside your mouth daily. This means not changing your regular diet too much and eating a lot of soft foods to assist with getting used to chewing while wearing dentures.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist to reduce denture friction and avoid foods that contain seeds as they can get caught under your dentures.
4. Treatment For Sore Gums From Dentures
If you are new to wearing dentures and your gums swell, it may be best to give them time to heal as your mouth gets accustomed to wearing false teeth. You can do this by setting them aside for about six hours during the day. Doing this overnight is a great way to let your gums recover as you sleep.
If after continued use your dentures just do not fit properly, this will cause denture pain. You may need a denture reline or other adjustments. Visit your dentist to have your false teeth adjusted to fit properly in your mouth.
FAQs
My new dentures hurt my gums. What do I do?
The first step to relief from gum pain is to identify the source of that irritation. It could be poorly fitting dentures. It may be an allergic reaction to a dental cleanser, adhesive, or the material the dentures are made from. The pain could also be the result of poor oral hygiene. Once the cause is determined you can then follow up with denture sores treatment.
My partial denture hurts. What should I do?
Partial denture pain relief is easy if you know what is causing the pain. Follow the same instructions above and take the necessary steps to recover.
My bottom dentures hurt. What should I do?
If you find your dentures cutting into gums, the best solution is to not wear the false teeth for a few hours per day to allow your gums to recover. Also, by practicing good oral hygiene you will create the right environment for your dentures that will be germ-free.
In Conclusion
Denture pain
can come in many different forms resulting in sores or yeast patches on your
gums. The good news is that there are several ways in which to treat these
conditions at home. If your pain issue is not resolved within a reasonable
amount of time, consult your dental professional for specific advice.
