Sore gums from dentures are a frequent concern for many denture wearers. While dentures are designed to restore function and appearance, they can sometimes cause discomfort and irritation to the underlying gum tissue. Understanding the various approaches to address this issue, from immediate symptom relief to long-term preventive measures and knowing when to seek professional dental care, can significantly improve comfort and overall oral health for denture wearers.
Immediate Relief Strategies
When experiencing immediate pain and discomfort from sore gums due to dentures, several steps can provide temporary relief. Temporarily removing your dentures allows the irritated gum tissue to rest and recover from constant pressure and friction.
Warm saltwater rinses can soothe sore gums. Mix half to one teaspoon of salt into warm water, swish for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit. Saltwater helps reduce inflammation and promote healing by drawing out bacteria. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can alleviate soreness and inflammation, while topical anesthetic gels provide fast, temporary numbing relief. Consuming soft foods like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes is also gentler on your gums, reducing further irritation.
Why Gums Become Sore
Denture-related gum soreness often stems from several underlying causes. Ill-fitting dentures are a primary culprit, as they can press too firmly on certain gum areas or move excessively, creating friction and painful spots. This poor fit can be due to changes in jawbone shape over time, which naturally occurs after tooth loss, leading to dentures that no longer conform precisely to the mouth’s shape.
New dentures commonly cause soreness during an adjustment period, which can last up to 30 days as the mouth adapts. Improper cleaning routines can lead to bacteria and fungi accumulation, such as Candida yeast, resulting in infections like denture stomatitis, characterized by redness and swelling. Less commonly, an allergy to the acrylic or resin materials used in dentures can cause irritation, burning, or swelling.
Long-Term Prevention and Care
Preventing gum soreness and maintaining oral health with dentures involves consistent care routines. Daily cleaning of dentures removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can irritate gums and lead to infections. Dentures should be brushed with a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner, avoiding regular toothpaste which can be too abrasive and damage the denture material.
Removing dentures overnight for at least eight hours allows gum tissues to rest, recover, and receive proper blood circulation, preventing irritation and sores. Soaking dentures in a cleaning solution overnight also disinfects them and prevents warping. Brushing your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth daily with a soft toothbrush removes plaque and stimulates blood flow to the oral tissues, even if you have no natural teeth. If using denture adhesives, apply them correctly to secure the denture and reduce movement, minimizing friction against the gums. Maintaining a balanced diet also supports overall oral health and immune function, making gums less susceptible to irritation and infection.
Knowing When to See a Dentist
While home remedies offer temporary relief, certain signs indicate that professional dental intervention is necessary for sore gums from dentures. Persistent or severe pain that does not improve with self-care measures warrants a dental visit. Visible sores, lesions, or ulcers on the gums that do not heal within a week or two also require professional assessment.
Signs of infection, such as swelling, increased redness, pus discharge, or fever, mean you should seek prompt dental attention. A significant change in how dentures fit, feeling loose or unstable, suggests adjustments, relining, or even new dentures may be needed. A dentist can assess the cause of soreness, modify dentures for a better fit, prescribe antifungal medication for infections like denture stomatitis, or recommend a reline or rebase procedure to improve comfort and stability.