Denture sores are areas of irritation or inflammation on the gum tissue beneath a prosthetic device, often making eating and speaking difficult. These painful spots arise from three primary factors: mechanical friction from a poorly fitting denture, pressure points, or an underlying infection such as candidiasis. While they are a common problem for denture wearers, they are both treatable and highly preventable. Addressing these sores requires a two-pronged approach that first focuses on immediate pain relief and second on correcting the root cause for lasting comfort.
Immediate Steps for Soothing Pain and Promoting Healing
The most immediate and effective action for a painful sore is to remove the denture temporarily to allow the underlying gum tissue to rest and recover. Soft tissue needs time away from pressure to restore blood flow and begin the healing process. While the sore is active, it is beneficial to temporarily adjust your diet to include softer foods that require less intense chewing until the irritation subsides.
A warm salt water rinse is a recommended at-home remedy that can help cleanse the irritated area and reduce inflammation. Dissolve about one-half to one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gently swish the solution several times a day. Saltwater acts as a mild antiseptic and can help draw out fluid, which reduces swelling in the affected gum tissue.
Over-the-counter topical gels or creams can provide temporary numbing relief. These products often contain ingredients such as benzocaine or menthol, which act as local anesthetics to dull the immediate pain. When applying these gels, remove the denture first, treat the sore spot directly on the gum, and do not reinsert the appliance until the pain has lessened.
Identifying and Correcting the Cause: Denture Fit and Wear
Persistent or recurring sores signal a problem with the prosthetic device itself. Over time, the jawbone naturally changes shape and the gum tissue shrinks, causing the denture base to become loose and rub against the gums. This movement creates friction and pressure points that develop into painful sores.
Dentists can perform a reline, which involves adding new acrylic material to the internal surface of the denture base to contour it precisely to the current shape of your gums. A hard reline uses a rigid acrylic for a long-lasting correction, while a soft reline uses a pliable, cushioned material for patients with highly sensitive or chronically irritated gum tissues.
Rebasing involves replacing the entire acrylic base of the denture while preserving the existing teeth. Rebasing is recommended when the base is significantly damaged, worn, or when a major fit correction is needed that a reline cannot sufficiently address. If a sore persists without improvement for more than a week, or if there is bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist, as this indicates the need for professional intervention.
Allowing the oral tissues to rest completely is a fundamental preventative measure against sore development. Dentures should be removed every night to give the gums a period of recovery from the constant pressure they bear during the day. This daily rest period is essential for maintaining the health of the supportive tissues and preventing irritation that can lead to chronic sores.
Long-Term Prevention Through Proper Cleaning and Care
Maintaining a high standard of hygiene for the denture appliance is necessary for preventing sores caused by the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and fungi. The porous surfaces of the prosthetic can harbor Candida albicans, a yeast that causes a condition known as denture stomatitis. Daily cleaning is the most effective defense against this microbial growth.
The denture should be removed and cleaned at least once daily using a soft-bristled brush. Use a dedicated denture cleanser or mild soap, avoiding regular toothpaste, which contains abrasive particles that can scratch the acrylic surface. These tiny scratches create ideal hiding places for microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection and subsequent irritation.
Soaking the denture overnight is necessary to maintain its integrity and cleanliness. Dentures must remain moist to prevent the acrylic from drying out and warping, which would immediately compromise the fit. They should be submerged in cool water or a commercially available denture-soaking solution, but never in hot or boiling water, as this can permanently distort the material.
The underlying oral tissues must also be cleaned every morning and night. Use a soft brush or a piece of gauze to gently massage and clean the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. This action removes any residual film and stimulates circulation in the tissue, promoting better overall gum health and resilience against irritation.