Dentures are marvelous prosthetic appliances that have allowed millions of patients to enjoy complete smiles after extensive tooth loss. While these devices are beautifully lifelike and should be remarkably comfortable after you get used to wearing them, they can cause sores to form on your gums if they do not fit right. Here’s a brief guide to what causes this and how you can address the problem at home or your dentist’s office.
What Causes Dentures to Not Fit Right?
Each denture is meticulously customized based on detailed measurements of the patient’s mouth, resulting in a restoration that conforms comfortably to their dental ridges. However, dentures do not address the process of jawbone atrophy that begins after tooth loss, meaning that the jaw will continue to recede due to a lack of stimulation. This can eventually cause the dentures to not fit properly, which usually means that they need to be adjusted and replaced.
How Can Dentures Cause Sores?
When you first get your dentures, you may develop a few temporary sores while your gums are getting used to wearing them, but this problem should go away on its own as your mouth adjusts. However, a poorly fitting denture can slide around on the gums, resulting in soft tissue irritation and possibly enamel damage due to collisions with the remaining teeth. If your denture isn’t fitting well, it may also trap food debris beneath it, which can cause bad breath as well as infections.
How Can I Treat Denture Sores?
Luckily, denture sores are often fairly easy to treat at home. A few solutions include:
- Using an oral analgesic to reduce discomfort
- Experimenting with denture adhesives to help your appliance fit more comfortably between adjustments
- Rinsing your mouth with saltwater to kill bacteria and remove debris
- Improving your denture hygiene regimen in ways like removing and soaking your dentures for at least eight hours daily
It will eventually be necessary to have your dentures relined or replaced at your dentist’s office. If your denture sores do not respond to these home remedies, contact your dentist for help.
About the Practice
Cornerstone Dental offers the finest oral health services in Fargo. Led by Drs. Stacy Goodwill and Jessica Majidian, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys effective and comfortable dental treatments with the utmost courtesy. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If you are concerned about denture sores, contact the office online or dial (701) 237-3583.