Wearing dentures can significantly improve quality of life, but they often cause mouth sores. These painful irritations are common, making it difficult to eat, speak, and maintain comfort. Finding relief involves immediate home care combined with addressing the underlying cause to prevent future occurrences.
Identifying the Cause of Soreness
Sores develop beneath dentures primarily due to mechanical irritation, which occurs when the prosthetic interacts poorly with sensitive mouth tissues. An ill-fitting denture creates pressure points or rubs against the gums. Changes in the shape of the jawbone and gums can cause a once-snug denture to become loose or uneven, leading to friction and pressure ulcers.
Poor oral hygiene is another major factor, as food particles and plaque accumulate on and underneath the prosthetic. This buildup fosters bacterial growth, leading to inflammation and irritation of the oral tissues. A specific type of fungal infection, known as denture stomatitis, is also common, caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. The porous acrylic surface provides a perfect environment for this fungus to thrive, causing redness, swelling, and painful lesions on the covered tissues.
Immediate Relief and At-Home Care
When a sore develops, the first step toward relief is to give the irritated tissue a rest by temporarily removing the denture. Allowing the gums to be free from the pressure of the prosthetic for several hours, especially overnight, significantly reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
A warm salt water rinse is a traditional and effective home remedy that helps soothe irritated tissue. Mixing about a teaspoon of salt into warm water and swishing gently several times a day helps cleanse the area and reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter topical anesthetics containing ingredients like benzocaine can be applied directly to the sore spots for temporary numbing relief. For a milder approach, pure aloe vera gel or a cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek can also provide a soothing effect. Modifying your diet to include soft foods, such as soups, yogurt, and mashed vegetables, minimizes trauma to the sore during eating.
When Professional Intervention is Necessary
While many mild sores resolve with diligent at-home care, certain symptoms require professional dental or medical evaluation. A dentist must assess the situation if the pain is persistent, lasting more than 48 to 72 hours, or if the sore is abnormally large. Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or rapidly worsening redness and swelling, necessitate immediate professional attention.
Ongoing discomfort often stems from an ill-fitting denture that needs adjustment. A dentist or prosthodontist can perform a reline or trim sharp edges to eliminate pressure points causing mechanical trauma. If a fungal infection like candidiasis is diagnosed, it often requires a prescription antifungal medication, such as nystatin or miconazole, to eliminate the yeast overgrowth on both the tissue and the denture.
Long-Term Strategies for Prevention
Preventing denture sores relies heavily on establishing a consistent daily maintenance routine for both the mouth and the prosthetic. Dentures must be cleaned daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser formulated for dental appliances. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic surface and create microscopic grooves where bacteria and fungi multiply.
When not being worn, dentures should be stored in a moist environment, such as water or a denture-soaking solution, to prevent them from drying out and changing shape. Soaking them overnight helps loosen debris and kill microorganisms, which controls Candida growth. Use lukewarm or cool water, as hot water can cause the denture material to warp, leading to a poor fit and new pressure points.
Regular dental check-ups remain necessary even for full denture wearers. The dentist will examine the gums for early signs of inflammation or infection and assess the fit, addressing subtle changes before they lead to painful sores.