Denture sores are a common source of discomfort for denture wearers, presenting as painful, inflamed areas on the oral tissues. These lesions range from simple pressure spots caused by friction from a poorly fitting appliance to denture stomatitis, often a yeast infection. Sores make eating, speaking, and wearing the denture difficult. Healing requires a dual approach: immediate relief for the existing lesion and long-term care to prevent future irritation.
Quick Home Treatments for Immediate Relief
Initiating healing quickly requires relieving pressure and soothing inflamed tissue. The most immediate action is to temporarily remove the denture or adjust the wearing schedule to reduce friction. This allows the gum tissue to rest and recover from the mechanical trauma. While the denture is out, a soft food diet consisting of items like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup is recommended to avoid further irritation.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution several times a day provides soothing and antiseptic benefits. Salt water temporarily increases the pH level, creating an alkaline environment that inhibits bacterial growth. The warm saline also helps reduce swelling by drawing excess fluid out of the inflamed tissues, promoting a healthier healing environment.
For direct pain management, over-the-counter topical gels containing an anesthetic like benzocaine offer temporary numbness. These products provide fast, localized relief, allowing for greater comfort while eating or speaking. Some gels also contain a mild astringent and menthol for a cooling sensation. Always apply these products after the denture has been removed and the mouth has been gently cleaned.
Essential Denture Care to Prevent Recurrence
Long-term healing and prevention depend on controlling underlying causes related to hygiene and fit. Denture stomatitis is often an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which thrives on dirty appliances and moist tissues. Cleaning the denture daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleaner is necessary to eliminate the bacteria and fungi that lead to inflammation.
It is important to remove dentures every night to allow oral tissues a chance to rest and recover. Exposing the gums to air and saliva for several hours helps cleanse the mouth naturally and reduces moisture that promotes fungal growth. The removed denture should be soaked in an appropriate antimicrobial solution overnight to sanitize the appliance and prevent pathogen transfer back to the mouth.
Regular check-ups with a dental professional are necessary for assessing the denture’s fit, as a poorly fitting appliance is a primary source of friction sores. Changes in the jawbone and gums over time can cause the denture to become loose or unbalanced, creating pressure points that lead to chronic irritation. A dentist can perform adjustments or relines to ensure the denture fits securely, eliminating the mechanical source of trauma and securing long-term comfort.
Warning Signs Requiring Professional Attention
While home remedies are effective for minor irritations, certain symptoms indicate that professional intervention is required to prevent complications. If a sore fails to show signs of healing or persists for longer than seven to ten days despite consistent home treatment, a dentist must examine the area. Lingering sores may signal a more serious underlying issue that topical treatments cannot resolve.
Immediate professional attention is needed if soreness is accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as a fever or severe swelling in the mouth or face. These symptoms suggest a bacterial infection requiring prescription antibiotics. Distinct white or red patches could signal a fungal infection, like candidiasis, which necessitates prescription antifungal medications. If cracks or sharp edges are visible on the denture base, those mechanical defects must be repaired by a professional to stop ongoing tissue damage.