Dentures should improve the quality of your life, but sometimes, people who wear them can experience problems like sore gums. Any pain and discomfort from wearing dentures needs to be addressed promptly.
You don’t have to settle for ill-fitting and low-quality dentures. Affordable Dentures & Implants offers personalized and budget-friendly treatment plans to fix any issues you experience. We offer a wide range of services from quick relining to popular alternatives to dentures.
Top 5 Ways to Instantly Relieve Denture Sores
First, rule out any possibility for allergies to the denture material. If you have an allergy to the acrylic or other material in the denture, it’s important to remove them to stop the allergic reaction.
If your dentures cause discomfort, don’t fit correctly, or you are experiencing sore gums, there are several remedies you can try. However, persistent discomfort could be one of the signs you may need replacement dentures, so it's important to consult your dentist if the problem continues.
For fast relief from denture pain, consider these home remedies and treatments until you can see your dentist:
1. Denture Adhesives
If your lower dentures feel loose, using denture adhesives can help provide a temporary fix. These adhesives create a secure bond between your gums and the denture, reducing movement and discomfort. This can also prevent sore spots and irritation from poorly fitting dentures until you can visit your dentist for a proper adjustment.
2. Benzocaine Pain Relief Gel
For fast relief from gum irritation caused by dentures, consider using a pain relief gel that contains benzocaine. This topical anesthetic numbs the sore areas, providing quick and effective comfort. Simply apply the gel to the irritated spots for temporary relief. However, it's important to rule out whether your sore gums are a sign of a more serious condition, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, which may require further treatment from your dentist.
3. Sleep Without Dentures
Sleeping without dentures allows your gums to rest and recover from any irritation or pressure caused during the day. Removing your dentures at night helps prevent sore spots, improves gum health, and reduces the risk of infections. Be sure to soak your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution to keep them fresh and ready for the next day.4. Apply a Hot/Cold Compress for Denture Pain Relief>
4. Apply a Hot/Cold Compress for Denture Pain Relief
Applying a hot or cold compress to the outside of your face can help reduce swelling and soothe sore gums caused by dentures. A cold compress can numb the area and reduce inflammation, while a warm compress increases blood flow to promote healing. Use whichever brings you the most relief, alternating if needed for best results.
5. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A warm salt water rinse is a simple and effective way to soothe sore gums caused by dentures. Salt helps reduce inflammation and can promote healing by drawing out bacteria. Just mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, swish gently in your mouth, and repeat as needed for relief.
These remedies are for temporary pain relief and are not meant to replace a visit to the dentist. Persistent gum soreness from dentures requires professional treatment for a long-term solution. Consider scheduling a free consult & X-rays at your nearest Affordable Dentures & Implants practice to get expert advice and explore options for lasting relief.
Why Dentures Can be Painful
Dentures tend to be painful if they don’t fit correctly. Ill-fitted dentures can create friction and cause sore gums as a result.
Here’s an overview of the common causes for denture pain:
Improper fit – When your dentures don’t fit well, they can slip around in your mouth.
Misalignment – If your dentures are misaligned, they can put pressure on the nerves in your jaw, which causes pain when you eat and speak.
Jawbone changes – Changes to the shape of your jawbone over time can cause dentures to fit less securely than they used to.
Denture stomatitis – The condition causes inflammation and redness, affecting 20 to 67% of American denture wearers. It’s caused by a candida yeast or fungal infection.
Allergies – An allergy to the acrylic or resin material in your dentures is rare but can also cause pain, burning, and swelling.
Poor hygiene & oral health – Dentures require adequate cleaning to remove bacteria - if you don’t remove and clean your dentures daily, bacteria and food particles can accumulate, irritating your gums.
Getting Used to New Dentures
Adjusting to new dentures can take time, and mild discomfort is common. Here’s what to expect and how to ease the transition:
Soreness in gums as your mouth adapts: It’s normal to experience sore gums as your mouth adjusts. It can take up to 30 days or more for your jaw and mouth muscles to fully adapt.
Start with eating soft foods: Stick to soft foods during the initial adjustment period. Options like soups, rice or pasta dishes are gentle on your gums and can help make eating with dentures more comfortable while reducing irritation as you adjust.
Chew Evenly: Try to chew on both sides of your mouth to avoid uneven wear and reduce discomfort.
Experiencing Persistent Gum Pain from Dentures?
If soreness continues after a few weeks, contact your dentist. A small adjustment to the dentures can often make a big difference in comfort.
By following these tips, you can ease into wearing dentures and minimize discomfort along the way.
How to Fix Ill-Fitting Dentures & Prevent Painful Denture Sores
A denture reline or adjustment can reshape your dentures for a snug fit and improved comfort. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, your dentist will suggest the correct procedure to get the optimal fit. When the tissue in your mouth changes over time, denture relines, and adjustments ensure that your dentures continue to fit properly. Both partial dentures and full dentures can be adjusted or relined whenever you need.
Denture Adjustments
For denture adjustments, the dentist makes minor changes to the denture to help it fit the contour of your mouth better. This procedure is especially common for people who have just started wearing dentures, so at Affordable Dentures & Implants we provide as many adjustments as you need at no charge for the first 60 days after you get your new dentures.
Denture Relines
Denture relining involves reshaping the denture base to better fit your mouth. Soft relines are great for sensitive gums as the material they are made from is softer. Hard relines are more durable and stay in place more firmly. The dentist makes an impression of your mouth to make a mold for the reline.
Alternatives to Dentures
If you feel like dentures aren’t for you, there are alternatives. Implant supported dentures also known as snap-in dentures or SNAPSecure dentures and dental implants are common options.
SNAPSecure Dentures
"SNAPSecure Dentures" or snap-on dentures are secured in your mouth with dental implants. Several small titanium implants in the jaw create an anchor for removable dentures to attach. These dentures have a firmer hold than traditional dentures and can help maintain a healthy jawbone. This is because when you lose teeth, the jawbone begins to reabsorb back into your body - but implants prevent this from happening.
Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants can restore the functionality of your teeth if they are all missing or damaged beyond repair. Dental implants work almost the same as natural teeth. The implants fix to the jawbone using a titanium post with an artificial replacement tooth on top.
Get Treatment for Denture Pain at Affordable Dentures & Implants
Your dentures shouldn’t cause sore gums and discomfort. Affordable Dentures & Implants offers fast and reliable treatment for your denture pain, whether you need a reline, adjustment, or replacement. Find your local practice and schedule your appointment today to receive high-quality, compassionate care.