Denture sores should be a rare occurrence if you wear dentures. They’re most common in the first few weeks of wearing a new denture as you adjust to it, but they may also be a sign that your jawbone has changed shape over the years and your denture needs to be relined. If you have denture sores that are large and painful, that you suspect may be infected, or that haven’t healed after two weeks, it’s cause for concern. Otherwise, try these tips for how to get rid of denture sores.
Relieve the Pain
Although this isn’t a tip for getting rid of denture sores, relieving the inflammation and pain you’re experiencing is important because it’s difficult to sleep and eat properly when your mouth is painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers work well for this, as does numbing gel, which can be applied directly to any sore spots.
Salt Water Rinse
Warm salt water rinses are commonly recommended for a variety of mouth sores and oral health issues, and they work for denture sores too. A rinse with warm salt water will ease your discomfort and promote healing. Simply combine 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; stir until the salt is dissolved, then swish in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit. This can be used up to four times a day until your sores heal.
Giving Your Mouth a Break
Make sure you take your dentures out every night before bed to give your mouth a chance to rest—and your sores a chance to heal. While you need to keep your dentures in long enough each day for your mouth to get used to them (and for them to prevent other teeth from shifting if you have a partial denture), it’s also necessary to let your gums have a break from the pressure of supporting dentures every night.
Good Oral Hygiene
When you have denture sores, good oral hygiene is critical for preventing infection. This means brushing your dentures as instructed and soaking them in a denture cleaner to kill bacteria. While it’s true that dentures cannot get cavities like your natural teeth, they can collect plaque and harbor bacteria, which can cause other oral health issues. You’ll also need to clean your gums with a wet washcloth. These steps may not prevent denture sores from forming, but they can keep them from getting worse.
Consult With Your Dentist
If denture sores are an ongoing problem, you should call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Tyler. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Tyler is an expert in making sure dentures are both comfortable and functional. If you’ve had your denture for a while, it could be time to get it relined so it fits more securely and doesn’t cause irritation or abrasion on the soft tissues of the mouth. In other cases, your denture may need to be refitted.
Learn More About Relieving Denture Sores
If you’re concerned about denture sores and you’d like to make an appointment to see Dr. Tyler, contact us today at 772.286.1606 .