It’s normal to feel a little sore or uncomfortable after getting dentures for the first time. It can take you about two to four weeks before fully adjusting to your new dentures.
Dentures are fabricated from plastic, acrylic, and nylon, which aren’t the softest materials. So it’s only natural that wearing dentures for the first couple of weeks will cause your gums to hurt.
When dentures are first put in place, they could brush against the cheeks or gums in an uncomfortable way that might cause irritation. A person must adjust to new dentures for the first few weeks in order to assess whether or not they are the proper fit.
That said, pain resulting from poorly fitting dentures can lead to infection by eroding the tissues and bones more quickly, so appropriate measures should be taken the soonest possible.
If you continue to experience pain after the adjustment period, you should visit your denture specialist to adjust them since it means that the fit is not right.
New dentures that hurt my gums
Developments in the design and manufacture of both partial and full dentures has led to more natural and comfortable false teeth that should not cause any pain for the wearer. However, new, poorly fitting, or damaged dentures can hurt your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth.
This is a common experience for many individuals who have recently obtained dentures. There are several reasons why new dentures may cause gum soreness:
1. Adjustment period
It takes time for your gums and oral tissues to adapt to the new dentures. Initially, your gums may feel sensitive or tender as they get used to the pressure and presence of the dentures. This discomfort is usually temporary and should gradually diminish over time, in two to four weeks, as the dentures settle in your mouth.
2. Poorly fitting dentures
Ill-fitting dentures can create pressure points or uneven distribution of forces on the gums, leading to sore spots or painful areas. If the dentures are not properly aligned or adjusted, they may cause irritation and discomfort. In such cases, it is important to visit your dentist or prosthodontist to have the dentures examined and adjusted for a better fit.
3. Gum irritation and inflammation
Wearing dentures can sometimes cause gum irritation or inflammation, especially if the dentures rub against the gums or create friction. This can lead to soreness and discomfort. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including cleaning your dentures regularly and gently massaging your gums, can help alleviate this issue.
4. Denture material and quality
The type of material used for the dentures can also play a role in the comfort level. Some individuals may be more sensitive to certain denture materials, which can result in gum irritation or discomfort. High-quality dentures that are well-crafted and designed with precision tend to be more comfortable and reduce the likelihood of gum soreness.
Remedies for uncomfortable dentures
If you are experiencing significant discomfort or persistent pain with your new dentures, it is crucial to consult your dentist or prosthodontist. They will evaluate the fit and condition of your dentures, identify any underlying issues, and make necessary adjustments or recommendations to enhance comfort.
Depending on your specific cases, your dentist may recommend the following remedies to help eliminate the pain:
a. Hard Denture Reline
Visit your dentist to reline or adjust your new dentures. Your bones and gums continue to change and shrink, after tooth extraction, especially during the first six months of the healing process. Since dentures are usually fitted 1-2 months before installing, they may need a few adjustments or relining when you start wearing them to get the correct fit. This may require you to visit your dentist at least once a month for adjustments several months at first.
b. Use denture adhesive
Denture adhesive can be used to hold the dentures in your mouth more securely and reduce the discomfort of slipping dentures, and also to seal out any food particles from getting under the dentures and irritating your gums. When applying the denture adhesive or glue, use 3-4 small daps on the denture and spread it evenly around the inside of your denture before inserting it in your mouth.
c. Test for infection
Ask your dentist to check whether the pain is due to denture stomatitis. Stomatitis is a thrush or yeast infection of the mouth caused by poorly fitting or excessively used dentures, resulting in mouth soreness. Symptoms of an infection include reddened sore areas in the corners of your mouth, red areas on your gums beneath the dentures, and pain.
d. Use an oral pain-relieving ointment
There are several home remedies for sore gums from dentures, including rinsing your mouth with salt water regularly, or applying a topical oral pain-relieving ointment on the sore areas of your gums to soothe them.
e. Proper care for your dentures
Dryness or soaking your dentures in hot water can cause them to warp and lose their shape, affecting their fit, and ultimately causing pain and discomfort. Proper care is essential, so clean them properly with mild soap and water at least twice a day, and then store them in a container with the appropriate denture cleaning solution or water overnight, when you are not wearing them.
f. Learn how to eat with dentures
Eating with dentures can be tricky at first, so try to maintain a soft diet and avoid hard foods until you get used to them. Also chew your food slowly.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to maintain regular visits to your dentist to have your dentures evaluated and monitor the progress of your mouth’s adjustment. Your dentist will be able to address any issues that may arise and provide guidance on how to adapt to wearing your new dentures during this transitional phase. They will work with you to ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and make any necessary adjustments to enhance your overall experience.
