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Dentures remain a popular solution for replacing missing teeth because they’re a versatile solution that can help you eat, speak, and smile more confidently. However, it can often take patients about a month to get used to wearing them. During that time, it’s not uncommon to develop raw spots in the tender tissues inside your mouth until they adjust to supporting your prosthetics all day. If you’re feeling achy, you might avoid wearing your dentures, which allows them to dry up. This can crack or warp them so they no longer fit.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to alleviate discomfort and help your sores recover so you can continue practicing wearing dentures. Continue reading to learn about four tips to ease you through this transition!
Tip #1: Take a Break
Although it’s wise to wear your dentures every day to keep them moist and maintain their shape, you probably shouldn’t keep them in 24/7. Your gums need a chance to rest, especially when your restoration is new, and you’re not fully acclimated. Wearing them consistently during the day helps your mouth get used to them, but you should take them out to sleep. Your tender tissues can mend overnight while your prosthetics soak in a glass of water or a special soaking solution that removes unwanted germs.
Tip #2: Address Aches
Overly inflamed gum tissue can be so irritating that it keeps you up at night, leaving you overly exhausted or moody in the morning. Fortunately, taking over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen is usually perfectly safe to help assuage any aches and reduce swelling. You can also apply an oral numbing gel directly to any sore spots for temporary relief.
Tip #3: Rinse Regularly
Rinsing with salt water can address many different oral issues and injuries, and denture sores are no exception! Try combining ¼ cups of warm water with about ¼ teaspoons of salt. Stir until the solution is dissolved, then sip and swish it around your mouth for around 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be used up to four times daily until the problem abates.
Tip #4: Keep Your Mouth Clean
Plenty of bacteria in your mouth can penetrate and infect any sore spots that develop when you first start wearing dentures. This increases the risk of gum disease, which can eventually impact your jawbone if left unaddressed. Committing to a daily dental hygiene routine can keep your mouth and restoration clean to prevent possible problems.
You should remove your artificial teeth twice daily to scrub them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap that won’t scratch the material. Floss them to remove any leftover food or plaque buildup, then rinse them off. Next, take a few moments to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth before putting them back in.
It can take 7 to 10 days for your sores to heal, but following these tips can expedite the process!
About the Author
Dr. Francisca Sanchez has more than 20 years of experience helping people enhance their lives by improving their oral health. She earned her dental degree from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine and received specialized dental implant placement training from the University of Florida. Now, she strives to get to know every patient to provide fully individualized services to meet their unique needs. She combines a relaxing atmosphere with state-of-the-art equipment to help put you at ease while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re worried about denture sores, you can request an appointment on the website or call (646) 669-7407.