Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit the unique contours of the mouth, restoring the ability to speak, chew, and smile. Wearing dentures often involves an adjustment period, and discomfort can arise due to changes in oral anatomy over time. Achieving stability and comfort requires a combination of daily care, temporary aids, and professional attention.
Utilizing Adhesives and Managing Sore Spots
Using denture adhesives can immediately improve comfort by adding stability and providing a cushioning layer between the denture and the gum tissue. Adhesives come in several forms, including creams, powders, and strips, which all work by reacting with saliva to create a sticky, sealing bond. This seal helps prevent the denture from shifting, which is a common cause of friction and irritation on the gums.
When applying a cream or paste adhesive, a thin, limited amount is more effective than a large application. Apply a few small dots or short, thin lines to the tissue-facing surface of the clean, dry denture, avoiding the edges. Excess adhesive can ooze out, reducing the seal and making cleanup more difficult, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions. Denture powders are sprinkled lightly over the moistened surface of the denture, and any excess powder should be shaken off before placement.
Sore spots, which are localized areas of irritation or small ulcers caused by rubbing, can often be managed temporarily at home. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution helps soothe irritated tissues and promote healing. A simple rinse involves dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swishing it gently for about 20 to 30 seconds. Over-the-counter topical pain-relieving gels containing ingredients like benzocaine can also provide temporary relief when applied directly to the sore area.
These home remedies only address the symptom, not the cause of the irritation. If a sore spot persists for more than a few days, or if discomfort requires frequent use of pain relievers, it signals a deeper issue with the denture’s fit. Continuing to wear an ill-fitting denture that causes chronic sores can lead to significant oral health problems, requiring professional adjustment to relieve the pressure point.
Maintaining Denture and Oral Hygiene for Lasting Comfort
Proper daily hygiene is foundational to maintaining denture comfort and preventing irritation caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. Dentures should be brushed daily using a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for the appliance or a gentle toothbrush. Use a mild soap, a non-abrasive denture cleaning paste, or a specialized cleanser, and never regular toothpaste. Typical toothpaste contains abrasive particles intended for hard tooth enamel, which can scratch the softer acrylic material, creating microscopic grooves where bacteria accumulate.
The two-step routine of brushing and soaking is recommended for optimal hygiene and comfort. After brushing, dentures should be soaked daily in a specialized cleaning solution or warm water. Soaking helps disinfect the appliance, loosen remaining plaque, and keep the material hydrated, preventing warping that could compromise the fit. Hot or boiling water should always be avoided, as high temperatures can permanently distort the acrylic material, leading to an ill-fitting device.
Removing the dentures every night allows the underlying gum and oral tissues to rest and recover from the pressure of the appliance. This period of rest helps prevent chronic irritation and the development of infections like denture stomatitis. While the dentures are out, the gums, tongue, and palate should be gently cleaned and massaged with a soft brush or a clean, damp cloth to stimulate circulation and remove bacterial film.
Recognizing and Addressing Issues with Denture Fit
Even with diligent cleaning and the use of adhesives, the fit of dentures will inevitably change over time due to natural processes in the mouth. When teeth are missing, the underlying jawbone gradually shrinks and reshapes, a process called alveolar bone resorption. Since dentures are custom-made to a specific contour, these changes cause the appliance to become loose, leading to discomfort and instability.
Several specific symptoms indicate that the denture fit has been compromised and requires professional intervention:
- The frequent need for excessive adhesive.
- The denture rocking or slipping noticeably while eating or speaking.
- The development of persistent sore spots.
- Difficulty chewing or slurring of speech.
- An audible clicking sound when talking.
These issues suggest the appliance is no longer seated securely against the gums.
When the fit is compromised, a dental professional can restore comfort through procedures like relining or rebasing. Relining involves adding new material to the tissue-facing surface of the denture to fill the space created by bone and gum changes. This procedure improves the internal fit and stability without replacing the entire appliance. Rebasing is a more extensive procedure that replaces the entire acrylic base of the denture while keeping the original teeth, often recommended when the base is worn or oral changes are substantial.
Regular dental check-ups, typically every six to twelve months, are important even for those with full dentures to ensure the appliance maintains a proper fit. These visits allow the professional to monitor the health of the oral tissues and detect subtle changes in anatomy before they lead to discomfort or complications. Addressing fit issues early through professional adjustments protects the jaw structure and supports long-term comfort.