4 Tips for Getting Rid of Denture Sores

Dentures can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence, but they can also cause discomfort if they don’t fit properly. One of the most common complaints among denture wearers is the development of sore spots on the gums. These painful areas are often caused by friction, pressure, or an improper fit.

While occasional irritation can happen, denture sores shouldn’t be ignored. Here are 4 tips to help relieve denture sores and keep your mouth healthy.

1. Give Your Gums a Break

Wearing your dentures around the clock can prevent your gum tissue from recovering from daily pressure. Removing your dentures before bed gives your gums time to rest and allows saliva to naturally cleanse and lubricate your mouth.

Leaving dentures out overnight can also reduce your risk of fungal infections, such as denture stomatitis, which is more common when dentures are worn continuously.

If your gums are especially sore, your dentist may recommend leaving your dentures out for a little longer each day while the affected tissue heals.

2. Keep Your Dentures Clean

Plaque, bacteria, and food debris can build up on dentures just as they do on natural teeth. If dentures aren’t cleaned properly, harmful bacteria can irritate your gums and worsen sore spots.

Clean your dentures every day using a denture brush and a cleaner specifically designed for dentures. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive and scratch the denture surface.

It’s also important to gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth each day to remove bacteria and stimulate healthy circulation.

3. Never Try to Adjust Your Dentures Yourself

If your dentures consistently rub the same area, it may be tempting to file or reshape them at home. Unfortunately, even small adjustments can permanently alter the fit of your dentures and create additional pressure points.

Instead, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can identify exactly where the denture is causing irritation and make precise adjustments without compromising the fit.

If your dentures have become loose because of changes in your jawbone, your dentist may recommend a denture reline or replacement to restore comfort and stability.

4. Don’t Ignore Persistent Soreness

A sore spot that lasts more than a few days is often a sign that something needs attention. Continued irritation can lead to larger ulcers, infections, and difficulty eating or speaking comfortably.

Your dentist will examine both your mouth and your dentures to determine the underlying cause of the problem. In some cases, sore spots may be related to worn dentures, an uneven bite, or an underlying oral health condition that requires treatment.

Addressing the issue early can help prevent more serious complications and get you back to wearing your dentures comfortably.

Dentures should improve your quality of life, not cause ongoing pain. Removing them at night, maintaining excellent denture hygiene, avoiding do-it-yourself adjustments, and seeking professional care when problems arise can help eliminate denture sores and protect your oral health.

About the Practice

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with one or more missing teeth, we urge you to consider giving our dentures a try. This restoration is not only a tried-and-true solution, but an affordable one, too. In fact, we even have an in-house payment plan if you’re uninsured to help you afford them. So, if you’re ready for a great-looking, fully functional smile, schedule an appointment online or call our Edison, NJ office at (908) 834-8448.