Dentures are a tried and proven way to comfortably replace lost teeth with functional and lifelike restorations. While each of these appliances is painstakingly customized to fit the patient’s mouth based on precise measurements, some people may find that their prosthetic device doesn’t fit as well as it used to after some time. Here’s why you may develop denture sores as well as a few ways to address the problem.
Where Did These Denture Sores Come From?
Modern dentures should fit amazingly well when you first get them, but they do not address the way that tooth loss affects the shape of the mouth. Briefly after a tooth is lost, the bone tissue that supported it will begin to atrophy due to a lack of exercise, which can alter the shape of the jawbones over time. Eventually, a denture may not fit as well as it used to, which can cause it to slide about on the gum tissue or allow food debris to accumulate beneath it.
While wearing dentures that don’t fit well can be uncomfortable on its own, the frequent friction caused by your appliance sliding against your gums can irritate your soft tissues and cause sores to form. To make matters worse, food debris trapped beneath your dentures will be sheltered from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, meaning that it can allow harmful oral bacteria to breed. If allowed to multiply, these germs will eventually cause sores and other infections within the mouth.
How Can I Get Rid of Denture Sores?
Luckily, there are a few effective ways to reduce the incidence and severity of denture sores. A few of these include:
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: Always remember to brush and floss your dentures and clean your mouth thoroughly on a daily basis.
- Soak your dentures nightly: Continuous denture wear can allow food debris to accumulate beneath the appliance, resulting in nasty oral infections. Be sure to remove and soak your dentures every night so your mouth has time to rest and clean itself.
- Try denture adhesive: Many people whose dentures don’t fit quite right find that they can use denture adhesives to help their appliances sit securely and comfortably upon their gums. However, this is only a temporary fix, and you will eventually need to have the issue addressed by your dentist.
- See your dentist: Based on the state of your dentures and your mouth, your dentist may recommend having your ill-fitting appliance adjusted, relined, or replaced. In some cases, they may recommend special treatments to address denture sores.
Don’t let an appliance that fits poorly cause you constant discomfort and drag down your quality of life. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best ways to prevent denture sores.
About the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III earned his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry and has practiced at Hill Avenue Dental ever since graduating. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Superior offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about wearing dentures comfortably, contact his office online or dial (715) 392-5161.