Replacement teeth bring back form and function to a smile for an individual who has lost their natural dentition. However, the use of dentures often causes much pain and discomfort to many wearers, especially as they begin. But if you are one of those who have denture pain, rest assured that you are not far from being alone with that experience. The bright side, however, is that there are practical procedures to relieve the discomfort and help your mouth adapt to the new teeth. If you are looking for dentures in Bloor, we will provide you best advice and solutions tailored to your needs.
In this guide, you will learn some uncomplicated yet effective measures to provide relief from denture pain or discomfort, thus ensuring a smooth experience with dentures.
Understanding the Causes of Denture Pain
Before moving into solutions, let’s have a fair idea about what caused denture discomfort. Here are some causes:
- New Denture: If you just recently started wearing dentures, time is required for your mouth to adapt. Soreness is normal as your gums and tissues get their adaptation.
- Poor Fit: Ill-fitting dentures usually cause sore and sometimes painful sores.
- Gum Pressure Points and Irritation: Ongoing pressure in some places produces sore spots on the gums.
- Food Particles Under its denture: Generally, tiny food particles trapped between the denture and the gums can be quite irritating.
- Dry Mouth: Dryness in the oral cavity increases the friction of the dentures against the mucosa as there is insufficient saliva to wet the surfaces.
Tips to Relieve Denture Pain and Discomfort
1. Give Your Mouth Time to Adjust
If your dentures are new, your gums and tissues need time to adapt. Initially, you may experience mild pain, but this should improve within a few weeks. Be patient and follow your dentist’s guidance during this adjustment period.
2. Practice Proper Denture Hygiene
Keep your dentures clean to prevent infections and irritation. Here are some hygiene tips:
- Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner.
- Clean your dentures after eating to remove any food particles present in them.
- Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution.
3. Use a Denture Adhesive
A good-quality denture adhesive can help secure your dentures, preventing unnecessary movement and reducing friction that causes sores.
4. Take Out Dentures at Night
Your gums need time to rest. Removing dentures before sleeping allows your gums to recover and prevents irritation.
5. Rinse with Warm Saltwater
Saltwater rinses can help soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds.
6. Adjust Your Diet
Initially, stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, sticky, or tough foods that can put extra pressure on your gums.
7. Massage Your Gums
Massage your gums with a clean finger to improve circulation and reduce soreness. This simple practice can make your gums more resilient to the pressure of dentures.
8. Check for Fit Issues
If your dentures slip constantly or rub against your gums or cause sores, they are not fitting properly in your mouth. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to long-term pain and complications. Visit your dentist to check if your dentures need adjustments or a replacement.
9. Stay Hydrated
A dry mouth can worsen denture discomfort. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that your mouth stays hydrated. If dry mouth persists, talk to your dentist about possible treatments.
10. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers (If Necessary)
If the pain becomes unbearable, you can use mild over-the-counter pain relievers. However, this should be a temporary solution. If the pain persists, consult your dentist.
When to See a Dentist
Initially, some discomfort might be there due to getting adjusted to dentures, but you should see your dentist if:
- The pain persists for more than a few weeks.
- You notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable.
- You develop sores that do not heal.
Comfort is Possible!
Dentures should not cause long-term pain. By following these tips, you can minimize discomfort and make your experience with dentures much more pleasant. If you are struggling with persistent pain or suspect that your dentures do not fit properly, seeking professional help is the best step. At Bloor Lansdowne Dental Centre, we are committed to providing high-quality dental care to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function properly. If you are experiencing denture pain, schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s help you smile with confidence!
For the best care, visit our dental clinic in Bloor and experience compassionate and professional dental services.