Dentures remain the tried-and-true option for replacing missing teeth because they’re a versatile solution. Regardless of how many you lost, your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality.
However, it can take about a month for your gums, tongue, and other supporting muscles in your mouth to acclimate to the presence of your new teeth. Many patients develop sores during this time that prevent them from wearing their prosthetics. Read on to learn 3 ways to reduce discomfort and inflammation associated with adjusting to new dentures!
Tip #1: Take a Break
Many people wonder whether sleeping with dentures in their mouths at night is safe or acceptable. While it might not hurt you if it accidentally happens occasionally, it’s usually not recommended.
Your restorations rely on firm suction against your gums over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place all day. This reduces circulation, hindering your body’s ability to deliver essential disease-fighting nutrients. As a result, you’re more likely to develop sores or infections. It’s best to remove your dentures at night and leave them to soak in a glass of water or a cleaning solution that kills germs while maintaining their shape.
Tip #2: Rinse with Salt Water
Did you know that salt acts as a natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory? If your mouth has blisters from the acrylic base of your prosthetics, you can draw out fluid buildup causing aches by rinsing with a solution of ½ tsp salt mixed into a glass of warm water. This also kills germs that might otherwise infect open wounds and helps your tender tissues close together and heal.
Stir the solution until it has dissolved, then sip and swish it around your mouth before spitting it out. Do this until your cup is empty. It is usually safe to repeat this process several times daily to address associated symptoms.
Tip #3: Address Aches
It’s natural to feel tender when you first start wearing your restoration throughout the day. Thankfully, you don’t have to simply live with the discomfort. It’s usually okay to take over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen to reduce throbbing and swelling.
It’s also typically safe to apply a small amount of numbing oral gel containing benzocaine to your gums to reduce their sensitivity. You can find options at many pharmacies or grocery stores that can provide a well-deserved (if temporary) reprieve.
If you continue to experience aches and sores associated with wearing dentures, call your dentist so they can ensure everything fits correctly and is working as intended.
Meet the Author
Dr. Nabeel Ahmed enjoys building relationships with patients to help them build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. He graduated from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry from Western University and is committed to continuing education to stay up to date with the most recent advancements in technology and techniques. He offers a wide range of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, and is happy to address ill-fitting dentures. You can request an appointment on the website or call (416) 551-5224.