Dentures are a popular solution for individuals who have lost their natural teeth. Whether you’re new to dentures or have been wearing them for a while, sore gums are a common issue. While dentures can restore your smile and improve your quality of life, they can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, or pain in your gums.
If you’re experiencing sore gums from dentures, don’t worry—this is a common problem that can usually be managed with proper care and adjustments. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of sore gums from dentures, practical tips on how to get rid of the soreness, and when to seek professional help.
Understanding Sore Gums from Dentures
Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand why sore gums develop when wearing dentures. Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth, but they rest on the soft tissues of your gums. Since dentures are not a perfect fit in the beginning, they can sometimes cause friction, pressure, and irritation. Over time, this friction can lead to sore, inflamed, or tender gums.
Common Causes of Sore Gums from Dentures
Several factors can contribute to sore gums while wearing dentures, including:
Ill-fitting Dentures
When dentures don’t fit correctly, they can rub against the gums, causing irritation and sores. This can happen if the dentures are too tight, too loose, or have uneven pressure points.
New Dentures
If you’re new to dentures, your gums may take some time to adjust to the foreign object in your mouth. The soft tissues in your mouth can become sore as they adapt to the dentures.
Wear and Tear
Over time, dentures can wear down or lose their shape, making them less effective at fitting comfortably. This can cause them to press on sensitive areas of the gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Failure to properly clean your dentures and gums can lead to irritation.
Bacteria buildup on the dentures can cause infections, sores, and gum inflammation.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may be allergic to the materials used in the dentures, such as acrylic or other components. This can lead to gum irritation or sores.
Gum Disease
Pre-existing gum disease or an infection beneath the dentures can worsen when you start wearing them, leading to discomfort.
How to Get Rid of Sore Gums from Dentures
Now that we’ve identified the potential causes of sore gums from dentures, let’s look at how to address and prevent this discomfort.
1. Ensure Your Dentures Fit Properly
The most effective way to avoid sore gums from dentures is to make sure they fit well. Ill-fitting dentures are the most common cause of discomfort, so it’s crucial to visit your dentist regularly for adjustments.
Over time, your gums may change shape, especially after the extraction of teeth. Your dentures may need to be relined, reshaped, or replaced to ensure they continue to fit properly.
What You Can Do:
Consult Your Dentist: If your dentures feel loose, tight, or uncomfortable, contact your dentist. They can make necessary adjustments or take new impressions to create better-fitting dentures.
Check for Pressure Points: If you notice specific areas of your gums becoming sore, your dentist can identify any pressure points and adjust your dentures accordingly.
Use a Soft Denture Liner: If necessary, a soft liner can be added to your dentures to provide additional cushioning and prevent irritation.
2. Give Your Gums a Break
If you’re experiencing sore gums, giving your mouth a break from your dentures can allow the tissues to heal. Wearing dentures all day without removing them can increase the chances of developing soreness.
What You Can Do:
Remove Your Dentures at Night: It’s important to take your dentures out while you sleep to give your gums time to recover.
This allows the soft tissues in your mouth to rest and reduce the chances of irritation.
Rest Your Gums During the Day: If you’re experiencing discomfort, try removing your dentures for short periods throughout the day.
3. Clean Your Dentures Properly
Proper hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy gums and preventing soreness. Bacteria and plaque can build up on your dentures, leading to infections and gum irritation.
What You Can Do:
Brush Your Dentures Daily: Just as you would brush your natural teeth, your dentures need to be cleaned regularly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque.
Soak Your Dentures: Soaking your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight can help remove bacteria and prevent odor.
Clean Your Gums: Be sure to clean your gums and mouth regularly. Use a soft toothbrush or gauze to gently clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
4. Use Saltwater Rinses
If your gums are sore, a saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Saltwater has natural antiseptic properties that can soothe irritated tissue and fight bacteria.
What You Can Do:
Gargle with Salt water: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth with it. Swish the solution around your gums for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat this process two to three times a day to help soothe sore gums.
5. Apply a Cold Compress
If your sore gums are inflamed or swollen, applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb the area. This can be particularly useful if your gums are sore from recent denture adjustments or wear.
What You Can Do:
Use a Cold Compress: Wrap a clean cloth around an ice pack and apply it to the outside of your mouth near the sore area.
Hold it in place for about 15 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation.
Avoid Heat: Heat can make the swelling worse, so stick to cold compresses for relief.
6. Try Over-the-Counter Remedies
There are several over-the-counter products designed to alleviate gum pain and discomfort caused by dentures. These products can provide temporary relief and help you manage sore gums while waiting for an appointment with your dentist.
What You Can Do:
Use Denture Cushion Products: Soft denture cushions are available at pharmacies and can be placed inside your dentures to reduce friction and provide cushioning for sore gums.
Topical Oral Gels: Over-the-counter oral gels like Orajel or Anbesol can provide numbing relief to your gums. Apply a small amount directly to the sore area for temporary pain relief.
7. Maintain Regular Dentist Visits
Regular checkups with your dentist are key to maintaining healthy gums and comfortable dentures. Your dentist can monitor your gum health and make necessary adjustments to your dentures.
What You Can Do:
Schedule Regular Adjustments: Dentures often need to be adjusted every 1-2 years as your gums change shape. Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that your dentures are still fitting well and helping to prevent discomfort.
Treat Gum Issues Early: If you notice any signs of infection, bleeding, or significant soreness, seek professional help immediately to address any underlying problems before they worsen.
8. Consider Alternatives
If your dentures continue to cause discomfort despite trying various remedies, there may be alternatives available that could better suit your needs. For example, dental implants or implant-supported dentures may provide a more secure and comfortable fit for some individuals.
What You Can Do:
Discuss Alternatives with Your Dentist: If your dentures are causing significant discomfort and affecting your quality of life, talk to your dentist about other options, such as dental implants, which may offer a more permanent solution to tooth loss.
When to Seek Professional Help
While sore gums are common and usually temporary, it’s essential to seek professional help if the pain persists or worsens.
Here are some signs that indicate you should consult with your dentist:
- If the soreness lasts more than a few days
- If you develop painful ulcers or sores in your mouth
- If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
- If your dentures continue to cause significant discomfort despite adjustments
Conclusion
Sore gums from dentures can be an uncomfortable and frustrating issue, but with the right care and attention, the pain can be alleviated. By ensuring your dentures fit properly, maintaining good oral hygiene, and giving your gums time to rest, you can minimize discomfort and keep your smile healthy. If the soreness persists, consult with your dentist to make sure your dentures are fitting well and to explore other potential solutions.
