Dentures are a versatile solution that can restore your smile regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining. These prosthetics are made to fit like a glove and are customized at every step of their creation to look and feel as lifelike as possible.
They form a firm bond against your gums over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place, which reduces circulation to your connective tissues. As a result, some new patients develop sores until they acclimate to wearing their prosthetics. Continue reading to learn 3 ways to mend raw spots from dentures!
Tip #1: Take a Break
It often takes about a month for your tongue, gums, and other supporting muscles and tissues in your mouth to adjust to your dentures. They press tightly against your gums all day, which can leave them feeling raw and tender.
One easy way to heal from periodontal aches or inflammation is to remove your dentures at night. Taking a break from the constant pressure of supporting them may be just what your gums need to recover from any blisters that may have developed. Plus, leaving your new teeth to soak in a glass of water or a special cleaning solution kills up to 99% of germs that contribute to common oral issues like cavities and periodontal problems.
Tip #2: Rinse with Salt Water
Did you know that salt can act as a natural dental pain reliever and disinfectant? Your mouth is full of bacteria that can penetrate and infect any open wounds. Cleaning it consistently helps prevent potential infection and allows injuries to heal.
If it hurts to brush even with a soft-bristled brush, try rinsing with warm salt water instead. This draws out any fluid buildup from your swollen gums to reduce discomfort, and sanitizes your blisters so they can mend.
Tip #3: Address Aches
You need to continue wearing your dentures during the day to relearn how to enunciate words clearly and chew your meals thoroughly. However, if your gums hurt, you might not want to insert them in the morning.
Usually, it’s safe to take over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce throbbing and inflammation. You can also try applying some numbing oral gel or use a denture cream to form a layer of cushion between your gums and your prosthetics.
If your denture sores don’t improve after a few weeks or get progressively worse, contact your dentist so they can ensure your new teeth fit properly and function as intended!
About the Practice
Patients at Vista Dental Care benefit from two dentists who share decades of combined experience helping people build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Avendano provide a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof to patients of all ages, including replacement teeth. They take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans to your unique needs. Then, they combine art and science to design lifelike restorations made from durable, customizable materials that feel as natural as possible. If you’re worried about denture sores, you can request an appointment on the website or call (775) 626-3535.