Congratulations on getting your first set of dentures! While they may take some time to get used to, dentures can help restore your smile and make eating and speaking much easier.
However, it’s not uncommon for denture wearers to experience pain or soreness in their gums and mouth. This is often due to the pressure of the dentures on the gums or an ill-fitting denture. In other cases, the pain may be caused by an infection or irritation of the mucous membranes.
In this article, we’ll discuss what causes denture pain and how you can treat it.
What Causes Denture Pain?
There are a few different reasons why you may be experiencing pain with your dentures. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Ill-fitting Dentures: If your dentures don’t fit properly, they can rub against your gums and cause irritation. They can also put pressure on certain areas of your mouth, which can lead to pain.
2. Sores: Sores can develop on your gums or roof of your mouth from the pressure of the dentures. These sores may be painful and can make it difficult to wear your dentures.
If you develop a sore, it’s important to clean it carefully and keep the area clean and dry. You can also try using a topical ointment to help relieve the pain.
3. Infection: If you have an infection in your mouth, it can cause pain and make wearing your dentures uncomfortable.
If you think you may have an infection, see your denturist as soon as possible.
4. Mucous Membranes: The mucous membranes in your mouth can become irritated from the dentures. This irritation can cause redness, swelling, and pain.
Is It Normal to Get Sores From Dentures?
It’s not uncommon to get sores from wearing dentures, especially if they don’t fit properly. However, if the sores are severe or don’t heal within a week or two, you should see your denturist.
Preventing Denture Pain
Sometimes, no matter how well your dentures fit, you may still experience pain or discomfort. To help prevent this, it’s important to clean your dentures regularly and see your denturist for regular check-ups.
Cleaning your dentures every day will help remove any food particles or bacteria that could cause irritation. You should also brush your gums and tongue to keep them healthy.
In addition, be sure to see your denturist at least once a year for a professional cleaning and check-up. During these appointments, your denturist will check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments. They can also check for any signs of infection or other problems.
Treating Denture Pain
If you’re experiencing pain with your dentures, you can do a few things to help relieve it. Here are some tips:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water after eating. This will help remove any food particles that could be irritating your gums or mucous membranes.
2. Try using a topical ointment on your gums. This can help soothe any irritation or soreness.
3. See your denturist for an adjustment. If your dentures don’t fit properly, they may need to be adjusted or replaced.
4. Avoid foods that are hard to chew. Eating softer foods will help reduce the pressure on your gums and mouth, which can help relieve pain.
5. Take a pain reliever if needed. If the pain is severe, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve it.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing pain with your dentures, talk to your denturist. They can help determine the cause of the pain and provide treatment options. With proper care, you can wear your dentures with little to no discomfort.
Here at Hillhurst Denture Clinic, we can help you with all your denture needs. From fitting to maintenance, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
