Breaking in a new pair of dentures can be a little like breaking in a new pair of shoes. A little rubbing or slight discomfort is not uncommon in the beginning, but the discomfort should only be temporary. If you are experiencing continued mouth and gum soreness, there could be other issues at play.
New or poorly fitted dentures are the most common causes of gum irritation for denture wearers. But the good news is you don’t have to live in pain. A denturist clinic in Surrey can assess the fit, make necessary adjustments, and help you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably. Here’s what you need to know about denture sores and how to find relief.
What Causes Denture Sores?
There are several reasons you may be experiencing gum pain or discomfort while wearing your dentures; however, it often comes down to the fit. When a denture appliance doesn’t fit properly, it can create pressure points on the gums, leading to sore spots, inflammation, and even small ulcers or sores. Loose dentures can also cause friction as they shift while you talk or eat and allow food particles to accumulate between the denture and your gums, both of which further irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.
Hygiene is another big factor when it comes to comfortable dentures. Poor oral hygiene or denture cleaning can cause a condition known as denture stomatitis, a fungal infection that leads to redness, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth.
Other potential causes of denture sores include poor oral hygiene, allergies to denture materials, or changes in your gum and bone structure over time.
Adjusting to New Dentures
With new dentures, especially if it’s your first experience with them, it’s normal to go through a period of adjustment as your mouth and gums adapt to the appliance. For most people, this mild to moderate discomfort lasts only a few weeks and can easily be managed with saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and the avoidance of overly hard or sticky foods.
If, after several weeks, you are still experiencing discomfort or soreness while wearing your dentures, it’s time to pay a visit to your denturist. While modern tools and technology at denture clinics in Surrey allow technicians to fabricate highly precise dentures, sometimes minor adjustments are needed after the fact to ensure the best possible fit. This is a very straightforward process where your denturist will assess the fit of your dentures, identify pressure points or areas causing discomfort, and make necessary adjustments to improve comfort and stability.
Changes in How Your Dentures Fit
Over time, natural changes to your gum and jaw structure can also impact the fit of your dentures. In the short term, you can try to manage the situation with denture adhesives, which can improve the fit and comfort of your dentures, but longer-term wearability in these cases requires a professional adjustment or replacement from your denturist.
Depending on the reason for the poorly fitting appliance, your denturist clinic might recommend either a denture reline, rebasing, or a full denture replacement to improve the fit, stability, and overall comfort of your dentures. A reline involves adding new material to the inside of the denture for a better fit and can add years to your denture for a very minimal cost. Rebasing is a more involved process where the denturist will replace the entire acrylic base while keeping the existing teeth, providing a more secure and long-lasting solution to poorly fitting dentures.
Don’t Live with Mouth Soreness, Make an Appointment with Your Denturist Clinic in Surrey!
A great set of dentures should be almost imperceptible; when you’re wearing them, you should feel comfortable, confident, and secure. There is no reason to live with denture pain. If your dentures are causing persistent pain, don’t wait and schedule an appointment with your denturist to get the relief you need.
