Sore gums are a common concern for denture wearers, often signaling a need for adjustment or improved care. Understanding the reasons and knowing what steps to take can help alleviate pain and maintain oral health.
Common Reasons for Sore Gums
Sore gums often stem from ill-fitting dentures. When dentures don’t fit securely, they shift and rub against gum tissue, creating friction and painful sore spots. This improper fit can occur if dentures are too loose or too tight, or if the jawbone and gum ridges have changed shape over time.
New denture wearers may experience soreness during the adjustment period. The mouth needs time to adapt to the new appliance, and initial discomfort is expected as tissues get accustomed to pressure.
Poor denture hygiene also contributes to gum irritation. Inadequate cleaning allows food particles, plaque, and bacteria to accumulate, potentially leading to infections like denture stomatitis.
Denture stomatitis, a common fungal infection (oral thrush) caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast, often presents as redness, swelling, and discomfort in areas covered by the denture. Trapped food particles can also irritate the gums. Additionally, dry mouth, which can reduce the protective layer of saliva, and, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the denture materials, such as acrylic or metal, may cause burning sensations, swelling, or general irritation.
Immediate Relief Strategies
When experiencing immediate gum soreness from dentures, several home-based strategies can provide temporary relief. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution is a widely recommended method; mixing about half a teaspoon of salt with warm water and swishing for 30 seconds multiple times a day can help cleanse the mouth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can also help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. Topical pain relief gels containing ingredients like benzocaine can be applied directly to sore spots for localized numbing and temporary relief.
Consuming soft foods can minimize pressure on irritated gums during the healing period. Options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and cooked vegetables are gentler on the mouth.
Ensuring correct use of denture adhesives can improve denture stability, reducing movement and friction that contribute to soreness, and can also help prevent food from getting trapped underneath. Giving the gums a “denture holiday” by removing dentures for several hours, especially overnight, allows the oral tissues to rest, breathe, and recover from constant pressure.
When to Consult Your Dentist
It is important to recognize when gum soreness requires professional dental attention. Persistent pain that does not improve with home remedies, or that worsens over time, is a clear indicator to consult a dentist.
Visible sores or ulcers on the gums that do not heal within a week or two, or any signs of bleeding gums, should prompt a dental visit. Swelling, redness, or fever alongside gum pain can suggest an infection, such as denture stomatitis, which requires professional diagnosis and potentially antifungal medication.
Difficulty eating or speaking comfortably, which might indicate a significant change in denture fit, also warrants a dental evaluation. A dentist can assess the fit of the dentures, identify underlying issues like infections or bone changes, and recommend appropriate adjustments or treatments. Ignoring these signs can lead to more complex oral health problems, making timely professional consultation important for effective resolution.
Preventing Future Soreness
Preventing future gum soreness involves consistent routines and professional care. Daily denture cleaning is essential to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria, which helps prevent irritation and infections.
This typically involves brushing dentures with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, followed by soaking them in a denture-cleansing solution overnight to keep them moist and disinfected. It is also important to clean the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth with a soft toothbrush or gauze every morning before inserting dentures.
Regular dental check-ups are crucial, allowing a dentist to evaluate the fit of the dentures and the health of the oral tissues. Over time, the shape of the jawbone and gums can change, causing dentures to become loose and uncomfortable; professional denture relines or adjustments can restore a snug fit, reducing friction and preventing sore spots. Dentists often advise against sleeping with dentures to give the gums a necessary rest and reduce the risk of bacterial buildup and irritation.