Raw Restorations: How to Relieve Denture Sores

Dentures are a popular way to replace missing teeth because they restore so much of your natural ability to eat and speak. They’re comprised of the needed number of pontics, or artificial teeth, embedded in a gum-colored acrylic resin base. If you’ve never worn them before, it can take some time for your mouth to adjust to the change. Some patients find that their new restoration rubs small raw spots in their mouths as they learn to converse and chew food with them. Typically, these tender areas resolve themselves, but there’s no reason to suffer in the meantime. Continue reading to learn 4 tips to cope with denture sores!

Tip #1: Salt Water Rinse

Did you know that salt can act as a natural disinfectant? You can prevent the blisters in your mouth from getting worse by gently rinsing with a salt water solution. To create it, add ¼ teaspoon of salt to ¼ cup of warm water and stir until it’s dissolved. Then, sip the mixture and swish it around your teeth and gums as well as along your inner lips and cheeks. Spit it out and repeat until the cup is empty. It’s safe to do this up to 4 times daily to ease any inflammation and aches until the wounds heal.

Tip #2: Use a Topical Anesthetic

Another great way to find some relief is to apply a gel that contains benzocaine, which provides a temporary numbing sensation, like Orajel. These topical anesthetics block nerve pain signals to the brain so that you can have a reprieve from any ongoing sensations. Although there are products made for oral use, you should apply them and then spit them out rather than swallow them.

Tip #3: Take Medication

If your mouth still feels tender, you might try over-the-counter pain meds. Generally, options like Tylenol and ibuprofen are considered safe when used as instructed. While these won’t get rid of your sores, they can alleviate your symptoms long enough for you to eat healthy meals and get quality rest. Caring for yourself this way boosts your immune system so you heal more quickly.

Tip #4: Maintain At-Home Oral Hygiene

It’s important to keep your teeth, gums, and dentures clean so your raw spots don’t get infected. One of the best ways to do that is to consistently brush your restoration, along with any remaining teeth, twice daily. The pontics don’t get cavities, but they can harbor harmful bacteria that cause disease. Scrubbing them gently with a soft-bristled brush and special cleaner helps them stay germ-free. Don’t forget to also wash your gums by gently rubbing them with a wet washcloth.

If you have denture sores that don’t clear up after two weeks, it’s time to give your dentist a call! They may need to adjust or replace your restoration to ensure that it fits as intended so you can make the most out of it for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Amburgey helps patients of all ages improve their lives by increasing their dental health. He graduated from the West Virginia University Dental School in 2005 and continues to build up his knowledge and skills with ongoing educational opportunities. Today, he provides a full range of services to meet all your unique dental needs. He combines state-of-the-art technology with a compassionate approach to provide top-quality services, including dentures. If your restoration isn’t fitting correctly or your have sores that have become infected, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (276) 258-5568.