Denture Sore Relief - Helping Your Mouth Recover
Posted on 3/15/2025 by Dr. Quincy Gibbs |
 Dentures are a great way to restore your smile and chewing function after tooth loss. However, adjusting to dentures can take some time, and some people experience denture sores, which are irritated areas of the gums or other tissues in the mouth. These sores can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat, speak, and wear your dentures.
In this article, we'll discuss how to help your mouth recover after a denture sore. We'll cover different approaches to oral care, restoration dentistry options, and tips for managing denture-related discomfort.
Caring for Your Dentures and Mouth
Proper oral care is essential for preventing and healing denture sores. Here are some key steps:
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Clean your dentures regularly: Brush your dentures after every meal with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and scratch the dentures. |
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Clean your mouth: Brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste before inserting your dentures. This removes bacteria and food debris that can contribute to sores. |
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Soak your dentures: When not in use, soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water. This helps prevent them from drying out and warping. |
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See your dentist regularly: Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to ensure your dentures fit properly and to monitor the health of your gums and other oral tissues. |
Restoring Your Oral Health
In some cases, denture sores may require more than just good oral hygiene. Restoration dentistry offers various options to address underlying issues that contribute to sores. These may include:
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Relining or rebasing your dentures: Over time, your gums and bone may shrink, causing your dentures to become loose and rub against the tissues. Relining involves adding a new layer of material to the inside of the dentures to improve their fit. Rebasing involves creating a new base for the dentures, which may be necessary if the original base is damaged or worn. |
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Adjusting your dentures: Your dentist may need to adjust the shape or fit of your dentures to eliminate pressure points that cause sores. |
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Treating underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or dry mouth, can increase your risk of developing denture sores. Your dentist can work with you and your doctor to manage these conditions and reduce the likelihood of sores. |
Managing Discomfort
While your mouth heals, there are things you can do to manage discomfort:
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Use a soft diet: Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate the sores. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup until your mouth heals. |
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Use a warm salt water rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and rinse your mouth several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. |
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Apply a topical anesthetic: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Orajel can provide temporary relief from soreness. |
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Take breaks from wearing your dentures: If your sores are severe, your dentist may recommend taking breaks from wearing your dentures for short periods. This allows your mouth time to rest and heal. |
Seeking Professional Help
If your denture sores are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or bleeding, it's important to see your dentist right away. They can diagnose the cause of the sores and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
By following these tips and working closely with your dentist, you can help your mouth recover after a denture sore and enjoy a comfortable, healthy smile with your dentures.
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