What a Pain: How to Eliminate Denture Sores

Your dentures don’t just give you a beautiful smile, they make it easier for you to eat a full diet, speak clearly, and interact with the world with confidence. But what happens when they become uncomfortable? Painful denture sores can make wearing your prosthetics impossible and wreak havoc on your mouth. Here’s what could be causing them, how to treat them, and what you can do to stop them from developing in the first place!

What Causes Denture Sores?

Denture sores have many causes, but they most typically appear when your gums become irritated underneath your dentures. This can be due to pressure on your nerves from the dentures themselves, or sometimes because of painful gum infections. Either way, they can be very uncomfortable and make wearing your prosthetics a chore.

How Can I Treat Denture Sores?

To best determine how to treat your denture sores, it’s important to understand what’s causing them. To do this, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. To get a better idea on your own, you can also try feeling the sore area with your fingertip. In most cases, if it’s infected it will feel tender or inflamed, and may be leaking pus or bleeding.

Conversely, if the sores are hard and small, these are likely not infected and should go away on their own within a few weeks, nor should they require immediate medical attention. However, regardless of their cause, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent them from forming again.

How Can I Prevent Denture Sores?

The best way to prevent new denture sores from developing is to visit your dentist to find out what’s causing them in the first place. In some cases, your restorations may need to be relined or replaced. If not, you can also try the following:

• Keep your gums and any remaining teeth clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Always be sure to use a separate brush for your mouth and prosthetics.
• Remove your dentures each night before going to bed and fully submerge them in a glass of water or denture soak when you’re not wearing them, so they don’t dry out and lose their shape.
• Clean your dentures every time you remove them by brushing the entire restoration and flossing between all the teeth.
• Try massaging clove oil into your gums with your fingertips for 10 minutes each day, two to three times a week.
• Swish warm saltwater to soothe gums and keep them clean.
• Try an OTC pain reliever until you can be seen by your dentist.

Remember, denture sores can be extremely painful, but they’re not par for the course with your prosthetics. If you’re experiencing discomfort that makes it hard to use your restorations as intended, schedule a visit with your dentist to bring back your pain-free smile today!

About Our Practice

At Rubal Dentistry Azle, Dr. Frank Rubal and Dr. Jodie Rubal want to help bring back your healthy, pain-free smile. If your dentures are causing sores, don’t fit correctly, or are suffering from damage, contact us today for help by visiting our website or calling 817-444-2585.