Dentures are removable false teeth which are made of metal, nylon, or acrylic, which are used for replacing decayed or missing teeth. Dentures can be really helpful in some aspects, such as increasing chewing ability on the site where the tooth is missing. With the elderly, complete dentures also gives an aesthetic benefit to give natural appearance to the face, especially in providing natural support to the lips and cheeks which collapsed after the loss of teeth. This natural support also enables the person to produce a better pronunciation.

Common denture problems

• Ill-fitting dentures, which means the replacement teeth is not fitted snugly against the gum. As a result, there is spaces which leads to unnecessary rubs between the teeth and the gums, causing soreness and swelling of the gums.
• Tartar and plaque occurring on dentures, which can lead into gum infection which will need more sophisticated gum treatment. This is commonly caused by poor cleaning habits and excessive denture wearing.

Healing gum sores from dentures

Gum soreness is a common result from common denture problems. If left untreated, this can be fatal and might lead change structure of the gum, causing even more severe pain. Hence, early gum treatments need to be performed in order to heal the gum. These include:

• Rinsing the mouth with saline solution made of warm water and salt, which functions to kill residing germs and give strength to the gum.
• Apply hot compress onto the affected gums. Remove the dentures before applying the compress directly, as hot water might affect its entire shape and fitness. This will relax the gum tissues and reduce swelling.
• Watch the foods you are consuming, such as:
  • Avoid chewing solid foods, and instead, consume liquid and soft foods, such as soup, puddings, and milkshakes if gum soreness is still felt because of denture application. Eventually, however, you need to improve the foods into solid, but soft food, such as porridge, since it is important to accustom the dentures to chewing.
  • Avoid salty and acidic foods, since these foods will irritate the gum even more.
  • Rinse the mouth with warm saline water to kill bacteria left with food residue.
• If dentures causes ulcers to the gum, apply mouth ulcer gel to reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Most of the time, gum sore is caused by ill-fitting or newly-given dentures. Hence, gum sore will need to be endured until your gum structure is accustomed to this new replacement instrument. It is normal for the gum to sore for the first 4 weeks after tooth replacement. You can consult your dentist for a pain killer which will help you minimize caused pain. Meanwhile, hot compress will be beneficial in reducing gum inflammation, which also reduces the pain.
• If the gum is bleeding after dentures is removed, do not spit or suck through a straw to avoid pulling the blood clot and delay healing.

Caring for dentures to prevent gum sore

A proper caring for dentures can minimize gum sore, which sometimes is also caused by bacteria build up. Read on to know how to care for your teeth replacement properly.

• Remove dentures at night before sleep. This is important to give a chance for the saliva to cleanse the mouth naturally so that gum soreness can be minimized.
• Brush and rinse dentures thoroughly, as it may retain food and plaque, or become stained. To brush dentures, pay attention to some things, such as:
  • Use soft bristle brush, so that it won’t damage the replacement teeth.
  • Hold dentures gently when brushing, so that you will not bend and change its structure.
  • Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol to rinse dentures. Hot water and whitening toothpaste also need to be avoided in cleaning dentures.
• When not used, keep dentures in moist environment. It is important to do in order to prevent dentures from drying out. You can soak unused dentures in a glass of denture cleaner or water to keep it moist.
• Check for comfort and fit of the dentures and see the dentist as soon as you feel it doesn’t fit snugly any longer. This is important to prevent the ill-fitting dentures to rub the gum and cause inflammation.