How to Deal With Denture Discomfort

When you start using new dentures,  full or partial, they are quite likely to cause pain or discomfort for the first few weeks. Some people may also experience such pain with older dentures if there is any change in the structure of the gums or the jawbone with time. Dentists recommend the following tips to manage discomfort from dentures.

Use a Salt Rinse

Prepare a mouth rinse by adding half to one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Remove your dentures and rinse your mouth for around 30 seconds with this salt solution for relief from soreness.

Massage the Gums

Gently massage the gums regularly; this increases blood circulation to the area to reduce any localized swelling that may be causing the discomfort.

Don’t Wear Dentures at Night

Wearing dentures all the time can put pressure on your jaws and cause pain. Remove the dentures before going to bed every night. This allows the gums to relax and prevents pain.

Use Topical Creams

Ask your dentist to recommend any topical cream to treat painful gums. You may also try applying aloe vera gel to the dentures to reduce gum irritation.

Modify Your Eating Habits

When you first start using dentures, eat only non-sticky food. As you grow used to the dentures, you can go back to your regular diet. Keep your bites small and distribute the food to both sides of the mouth, avoiding the front teeth. This ensures the dentures stay stable and there is no undue pressure on one side.

Practice Denture Hygiene

Remove your dentures every night and soak them in the denture solution recommended by your dentist. This allows your gums and jaw to relax and the dentures too get cleaned, avoiding buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria.

Try a Denture Adhesive

The tongue and cheek muscles are meant to hold the dentures in place. If you’re a first-time denture user, try a denture adhesive for the initial few days. This will keep the denture stable and allow your cheek muscles some time to adapt to the new dentures.

However, remember that it is not advisable to use adhesives for long because most such products contain zinc that can cause health issues when used long term.

Some dentists offer patients the choice of using a denture liner to act as a cushion between the denture and the gums.

Take Pain Medication

 If the pain does not subside with topical creams, use over-the-counter pain medication. Products containing menthol can calm irritated gums; those with benzalkonium chloride have an antiseptic action against local oral infection. Medications containing ibuprofen can also reduce the pain from denture discomfort.

Never try to adjust dentures yourself. Always consult a dental specialist for help with getting a more comfortable fit.

Consult with the Emergency Dentists at Sunshine Smiles Dentistry 

Some denture discomfort is normal when you start using them. But if your pain persists despite using all the above-mentioned tips, book an appointment with Sunshine Dentistry in Roswell, GA by calling 770-998-8116

Driving Directions from Dunwoody GA to Sunshine Smiles Dentistry

Head northwest toward Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
Turn left onto Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
Continue onto Roberts Dr
Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp onto GA-400 N/US-19 N
Merge onto GA-400 N/US-19 N
Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 7B to merge onto GA-140 W/Holcomb Bridge Rd toward Roswell
Turn left onto Market Pl
Sunshine Smiles Dentistry will be on your right