Wearing dentures can lead to discomfort and irritation on the gums, often signaling that soft tissues are reacting to friction or pressure from the device. Several simple steps and products can provide relief, ranging from immediate at-home measures to professional adjustments. The goal is to soothe the inflamed tissue while identifying and correcting the underlying cause of the irritation.
Immediate At-Home Relief
Immediate relief from gum soreness can often be found using non-medicated methods. Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution is a highly effective first step, as the saline mixture offers mild antiseptic properties and helps reduce inflammation. Prepare this by dissolving about half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and gently swishing the solution several times a day.
Applying a cold compress to the cheek over the area of soreness can help numb the pain and decrease any accompanying swelling. The most important immediate action is to allow the irritated tissue to rest by temporarily removing the dentures. Giving the gums a break, especially overnight, is necessary for the tissue to heal and recover from continuous pressure and friction.
Over-the-Counter Topical Treatments
If soreness persists, a variety of commercially available products can provide targeted, temporary relief. Over-the-counter topical anesthetic gels, often containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine, are designed to numb the localized area of pain. These gels should be applied directly to the sore spot after removing the denture, providing a short-term solution for acute pain management.
Using a mild, alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash can help keep the mouth clean and reduce the bacterial load without irritating sensitive gums. Denture adhesives are also beneficial, as the material provides a thin, cushioning layer between the rigid denture base and the soft gum tissue. This added cushion and stabilization can reduce the friction that initially caused the sore spot.
Addressing the Root Cause: Denture Fit and Hygiene
Soreness is frequently a symptom of mechanical irritation or poor oral hygiene, making long-term prevention dependent on addressing these root causes. Meticulous daily denture care is a foundational practice for preventing soreness. Dentures must be brushed with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser formulated specifically for dentures to remove plaque and trapped food particles.
Allowing the dentures to soak in a cleansing solution overnight and removing them while sleeping gives the gum tissue a necessary six to eight-hour rest period for recovery. Poor fit is a common source of persistent soreness, as ill-fitting dentures create localized pressure points and friction against the gums. This poor fit can be due to the natural process of jawbone resorption, where the bone supporting the denture shrinks over time, causing the denture to become loose.
If the denture is loose or rocks when chewing, it increases the rubbing action that leads to sore spots. Regular check-ups are necessary for a dental professional to inspect the denture for sharp edges or rough areas causing continuous irritation. Addressing the physical fit through professional adjustments or relining is the most effective way to eliminate chronic soreness.
When Professional Care is Necessary
While home remedies provide temporary comfort, specific signs indicate the need for professional dental intervention. A dental appointment is required if pain or soreness persists for longer than 48 hours despite home treatment and denture removal. Immediate professional attention is also necessary for visible signs of infection, such as pus, unusual swelling, or a persistent fever.
The development of white or red patches, which may signal a fungal infection like candidiasis (thrush) or denture stomatitis, requires a dentist’s diagnosis and prescription treatment. Furthermore, if the denture feels unstable, slips noticeably, or has a cracked or damaged area, only a dentist can perform the necessary adjustments, relines, or repairs. Attempting to modify a denture at home can cause irreparable damage and worsen the gum irritation.