What is the fastest way to heal denture sores? Although they can be painful and challenging, the appropriate interventions provide relief, a better quality of life, and a radiant, captivating smile.
There’s no need to worry If you have been struggling with denture sores. As a trusted service provider of cost-effective denture repairs with over a decade of industry experience, we’re here to help. This blog explains the fastest way to heal denture sores, providing you with relief, long-term peace of mind, and comfort.
What Are Denture Sores?
Denture sores (denture stomatitis) are an oral thrush that affects dental prosthetic wearers. The tissues where dentures cover the gums are swollen and discoloured.
Studies have shown that denture sores affect 67% of patients worldwide. Individuals who wear full dentures are more likely to experience the condition than those who wear partial or implant-supported dentures.
What Causes Denture Sores?
Candida, a type of yeast-like fungus, causes denture sores. While small amounts are normal, an imbalance can cause the fungus to proliferate, leading to a fungal infection (candidiasis). Although several fungi can cause denture stomatitis, Candida albicans is the most common trigger.
What Are The Denture Sore Risk Factors?
Denture sore risk factors include the following:
- Excessive sugar and carbohydrate intake.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Smoking or vaping.
- Wearing dentures too long (even while sleeping).
- A weak immune system.
- Age (the condition is prevalent among individuals at least 65 years old).
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Endocrine dysfunction.
Can Dentures Cause Mouth Sores?
Dentures can cause mouth sores because of poor-fitting dental prosthetics, poor hygiene, and allergic reactions.
How To Heal Gum Sores From Dentures
This section explains various denture sore relief solutions, offering dental prosthetic patients comfort and a better quality of life. As the Gold Coast’s trusted dental relines specialist, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to rule out an allergic reaction, which requires denture removal to alleviate the symptoms.
Here are time-tested strategies on how to treat denture sores:
- Denture adhesives: These adhesives help secure loose lower dentures to the gums, minimising movement and discomfort. A denture bonding agent helps prevent sore spots and irritation from poorly fitting prosthetics.
- Oral pain relief products: Using an oral pain relief product with the topical anaesthetic benzocaine provides immediate relief from denture-caused gum irritation. Apply the gel to the affected areas for temporary relief.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with a trusted dental practitioner to rule out severe conditions requiring different treatments, including periodontitis and gingivitis.
- No dentures while sleeping: Removing dentures before sleeping at night improves gum health and minimises irritation, pressure, and infections. We recommend soaking your dental prosthetics overnight in a commercial cleaning solution prescribed by a dental professional. This strategy prepares your dentures for use the following day.
- Hot or cold compress application: Applying a hot or cold compress to your face near the affected area minimises swelling and soothes sore, painful gums. A cold compress desensitises the area and reduces inflammation. On the other hand, a hot compress increases blood flow and facilitates healing. Select the option that offers more relief.
- Warm salt water rinse: Warm salt water minimises inflammation and bacterial proliferation. Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water and rinse the solution thoroughly in your mouth two to three times daily for several days until your symptoms improve.
- Herbal remedies: Chamomile or calendula help minimise inflammation and soothe gums from denture sores. For best results, we recommend alcohol-free mouthwashes or rinses with these components.
- Aloe vera: This medicinal herb can alleviate swollen, painful gums. Apply a thin layer to the affected area for immediate relief. Before using the product, please apply a small amount to your wrist to rule out allergic reactions
- Clove oil: This oil can numb the affected area and relieve denture sores. We recommend diluting one drop with olive oil and applying it to the affected area with a cotton swab. Please remember that clove oil can be strong, so never use it excessively.
- Turmeric: This is a potent anti-inflammatory spice that promotes denture sore healing. Mix turmeric with a glass of water and apply a thin layer to the swollen portion. Leave the solution in the area for several minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Soft foods: Hard or crunchy foods, such as tough meats, carrots, and nuts, can apply extra pressure on the gums. Try soft foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, tofu, and soups until your dental sores heal.
Please remember that these are temporary pain relief remedies. If symptoms persist, please visit a trusted dentist who can recommend the appropriate long-term strategy.
Why Wearing Dentures Can Be Painful
Here are the reasons why wearing dentures can be painful:
- Improper fit: Poor-fitting dentures cause friction and sore gums.
- Misalignment: Misaligned dentures lead to excess jaw nerve pressure and discomfort while eating and chewing.
- Jawbone alterations: Jawbone changes can cause poorly fitting and painful dentures.
- Denture sores: Denture stomatitis causes inflamed, swollen, discoloured gums.
- Allergies: Denture acrylic or resin material allergies are rare but can cause inflammation, discomfort, and pain.
- Poor dental hygiene: Improper and infrequent denture cleaning can proliferate oral bacteria that irritate the gums.
Adjusting To New Dental Prosthetics
Adjusting to new dentures can be challenging. Please remember that mild discomfort is typical for new wearers. Here are some tips to help you adjust to life wearing dental prosthetics:
- Expect soreness: Your oral cavity will become sore during the adjustment period. It can take up to thirty days for your mouth to acclimate to your new dentures.
- Consume soft foods: We strongly recommend consuming soft foods, such as soups, rice, pasta, oatmeal, sunny side up eggs, and tofu, during the first month of wearing dental prosthetics. These foods allow you to eat comfortably, minimise discomfort, and reduce irritation.
- Chew with balanced pressure: Please chew on both sides of your mouth to prevent uneven wear and minimise discomfort while eating.
Persistent Denture Gum Pain and Discomfort
If your pain, discomfort, or soreness persists for several weeks, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with a highly skilled and experienced dental prosthetist. He can make minor adjustments to your dental prosthetic, making a profound, long-term difference.
Your dental provider will suggest the appropriate procedure that ensures the most comfortable fit. Denture relines and partial and full prosthetic adjustments help achieve this objective.
In the former procedure, your practitioner will reshape the denture base, improving its fit and comfort. He will perform a soft reline on patients with soft gums. On the other hand, hard relines are more resilient and secure than their soft counterparts. In this scenario, the dentist makes an impression of your oral cavity and creates a mould for the dental reline.
In a denture adjustment, your dentist makes minor adjustments to the prosthetic, ensuring a better, snug fit. It’s a standard procedure among patients who have just started wearing dentures.
Conclusion
Dental sores can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, several strategies offer immediate relief prior to your next dental visit. Denture adhesives, oral pain relief products, hot or cold compress therapy, a warm salt water rinse, and herbal remedies can alleviate pain and discomfort.
If these sensations persist, please consult your dentist, who can recommend a minor adjustment or dental reline for long-term comfort and pain relief. Our highly skilled and trained staff can suggest a customised, cost-effective strategy to improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and enjoy long-term peace of mind and comfort.