Are Removable Dentures Painful?
Denture pain symptoms are straightforward. Red areas on your gums below your denture or the new formation of white yeast patches are immediate signs that there is something wrong. Sometimes the gums even appear to spread over your denture, which can cause pain. Usually, dentures are not painful. Dentures do not cause discomfort if you wear and maintain them properly. If you are suffering from denture pain, you can try the following suggestions to provide relief and then prevent it.
Practicing Proper Denture Cleaning and Hygiene
Practicing proper denture care and good oral hygiene will go a long way in avoiding discomfort.
Clean your dentures every night thoroughly with a dental cleanser. You also need to clean the roof of your mouth and any areas covered by your dentures to prevent yeast, thrush, or bacteria. Soak your dentures in water at night before going to bed. This will loosen any particles that you can easily brush off the dentures in the morning. Use toothpaste and mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Use your dentures properly and regularly. Irregular use will irritate your mouth. This can cause irritated gums and even stimulate bone loss. Always use your dentures properly, using them all day and taking them out at night.
If your dentures are damaged in any way you should have it repaired.
Rule Out Allergies
You could be allergic to certain cleansers and adhesives. When attempting to identify the cause of your denture pain, first make sure you are not allergic to these materials. These allergies can cause a burning sensation and gum irritation that can lead to ulcers. If you think you might be allergic to these materials, ask your dentist for a viable alternative.
Some people can be allergic to the acrylic in the dentures. If this happens to you, then your swelling might have already happened during your fitting procedure. This means acrylic dentures are not for you. Now your dentist will find another variety of plastic material for your dentures.
Exercise Common Sense with Eating
When you first start using your dentures, stay with the same diet until you get used to your restoration. This will make it easier to adjust to your new dentures. Eating soft foods can also help you get used to chewing with dentures.
Maintain a moist mouth, as the lubricating saliva will reduce any friction and prevent gum irritation. Make sure that you drink plenty of non-diuretic fluids to promote healthy saliva flow.
Any extra force required to chew bigger chunks of solid food might also cause sore spots below your dentures.
Relax Your Gums
If your gums swell, set the dentures aside for a bit to let your gums heal before using them again. You should set aside your dentures for about 6 hours a day, usually during your sleep. You can avoid getting gum sores by not wearing your dentures excessively. Other ways to help your gums include avoiding tartar and plaque, which lead to gum infection.
Use hot compressions when you experience any inflammation or pain. It is natural for the gums to swell for the initial couple of weeks. Maintaining a proper denture care schedule will minimize gum soreness. Remove your dentures at night to help your gums relax, allowing your saliva to naturally cleanse your mouth.
Are Removable Dentures Painful?
Yes, your dentures can be painful at times, but usually just during the adjustment phase. When your mouth gets used to it, dentures offer many benefits. Stick to a proper denture care routine and good hygiene habits.