Dentures have many great benefits for those suffering from tooth loss. Their natural-looking appearance and improved durability make them a preferred option that produces greater confidence in daily life. However, they also have their pitfalls – downsides that can negatively affect the soft oral tissues inside the mouth. With oral sores becoming one of the most common complaints among denture-wearers, discover ways to prevent them and when you should plan to see your dentist for help.
What Causes Denture Sores to Form?
Dentures are like a foreign object inside your mouth – requiring time and patience for your cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and bone to become accustomed to.
Denture sores can form during this adjustment phase (and even after), resulting in discomfort. This can happen because the gums that support the prosthetic may not be even, resulting in mild to moderate irritation as the denture tries to rest on top. The more you chew or bite down, the greater the chances of these sores forming.
Another reason can be an infection. If bacteria form and spread beneath the denture, they can attack the gum tissue, resulting in worsening inflammation that requires additional treatment from your dentist.
How Can Denture Sores Be Prevented?
There are many different ways to prevent denture sores, some of which include:
- Make sure to soak your dentures overnight while you sleep, as this will give your gums and bone a break from the support they must provide throughout the day.
- Eat softer foods until you are more comfortable and no longer experiencing pain when biting down or chewing.
- Keep your dentures clean by removing harmful bacteria and tartar that can irritate the gums and cause further problems.
- Apply denture adhesive when eating or speaking so that your denture remains in place and prevents food particles from slipping underneath the prosthetic and attacking the gums.
- Stay away from spicy, acidic, or salty foods and beverages, as these can further irritate denture sores should they already be present.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist’s Office for Help?
While there are plenty of ways to keep denture sores from forming, you may wonder what you should do if one or more is already causing problems.
Rinsing with warm salt water, practicing good oral hygiene, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever can be helpful until these sores begin to heal on their own. However, if nothing you do improves the situation, don’t hesitate to call your dentist for help.
It’s possible that all you need is to have your denture relined or replaced. It might also be that you require additional gum disease treatment to address an infection. No matter the cause, your dentist can identify the issue and develop a plan to improve the health of your soft oral tissues so that you no longer suffer.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
At Grand Dental – Lake Zurich, our team of talented dental experts is skilled in many different aspects of dentistry. When it comes to dentures and other similar prosthetics, we can make sure they fit correctly so they continue to work appropriately and without causing pain or soreness. If you are concerned about the potential for denture sores, visit our website or call (847) 443-3953 to learn how we can help.