Why Your Dentures May Be Uncomfortable or Painful
Even if you’ve had all your teeth extracted for a full denture or denture implants, it’s still important that you a proper oral health care routine. Your mouth and gums still need to be cleaned and taken care of for success with dentures.
Additionally, you should be making sure that your dentures are secure and fit correctly. As more time passes you may experience changes in your mouth that require a denture adjustment.
If your dentures have become uncomfortable or painful, it may be time to visit your denturist. In the meantime, we’ve outlined a few reasons why you may have denture discomfort below.
New Dentures
If your brand new to the world of dentures, it’s totally normal for you to have some discomfort for the first few weeks. Your dentures function differently than your natural teeth and it’ll take some time to adjust.
We’ll organize a follow-up appointment a week after you receive your new dentures to make sure everything is fitting as it should. During this appointment, we’ll make any needed adjustments to resolve hot spots and pressure points.
Loose Dentures
Loose dentures are one of the primary causes of pain and discomfort. Over time, your dentures will wear down and your jaw bone may shrink — which can lead to more frequent slipping.
An improperly fitting denture increases friction and the occurrence of hot spots or ulcers. If your dentures frequently fall out of place, schedule an appointment so we can make adjustments.
Wearing Your Dentures Overnight
By removing your dentures while you sleep, you’re giving your gums a much-needed rest from the constant pressure of dentures.
Leaving your dentures in overnight can also cause your jaw bone to shink even faster. This process is called bone resorption and it can cause your face to look sunken and older than you actually are.
Take out your dentures every evening and give them a proper cleaning for best results.
Improper Cleaning
Lastly, if your dentures aren’t getting cleaned properly, you’ll notice buildups of plaque, tartar, stains, and bacteria — which can significantly increase the risk of bad breath, infection, or red and inflamed gums.
Make sure your dentures are cleaned at least once a day and removed to soak overnight to reduce the chance of complications.
Irregular Dentist Visits
If you fail to see your dentist and denturist regularly, it may be harder to catch minor issues before they become problematic. It’s always a good idea to schedule regular appointments with your denture professionals to ensure your denture experience is as comfortable as possible.
Are you in need of an adjustment? Are your dentures sore or uncomfortable?
Schedule a visit with our office today.
