Dealing with the Discomfort of Dentures

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures have long been the go-to answer. While implants have quickly gained popularity, dentures are still a common solution today. The design of dentures has not changed much. The removable prosthesis consists of replacement teeth set into a base that relies on your gums for support. While modern dentures provide a much more realistic restoration to your smile, they can still cause a significant amount of discomfort. Florida Prosthodontics can help.

Keeping Your Dentures Clean

Dentures need to be cleaned properly every single day. They should be removed every night and brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture paste. After cleaning your dentures, you should brush and floss your natural teeth, as well as gently brush your gums and other intraoral tissues. Keeping your dentures and your mouth clean is essential for eliminating plaque, bacteria, yeast, and debris that can lead to irritation, inflammation, and pain.

Leave Your Dentures Out at Night

Dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day. They rely on your gums for support. This delicate tissue needs time to rest. After cleaning your dentures at night, they should be left out of your mouth while you sleep. Store your dentures in a glass of water or denture cleaning solution. Leaving your dentures out gives your gums an opportunity to rest. This will help to prevent constant pressure and discomfort. Soaking your dentures also keeps them moist, preventing them from drying out and warping, issues that can affect fit and effectiveness, issues that can cause significant pain.

Pay Attention to What You Eat

Dentures restore your ability to eat many of your favorite foods. However, there are some foods that can be difficult to eat, even with your new teeth. Foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy can all cause your dentures to dislodge from your gums. When this happens, your denture can rub your gums unnaturally while you chew, which can lead to painful sores.

There are ways to enjoy foods and prevent discomfort. Opt for foods that are soft and easy to chew. Steam or roast raw vegetables. Cut whole apples into slices. Remove corn from the cob. Continue to avoid foods that are sticky or chewy, such as gum, caramels, and gummy candies.

Topical Treatments for Discomfort

There are many remedies available that can help you to manage any discomfort you feel. Common remedies include

•	Over the counter pain relievers, both oral and topical.
•	Salt water rinses. Salt aids in reducing inflammation.
•	Aloe vera gel. Aloe can help to alleviate irritation.
•	Black tea bags. Black tea has tannic acid, which is a natural antibacterial agent. It also aids in reducing pain and swelling.
•	Cloves. Cloves and clove oil help to numb pain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Consider Dental Implants

If your dentures are causing you discomfort, you might consider trading them in for dental implants. This modern alternative to dentures uses small titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone to provide support for your new teeth. A process called osseointegration stabilizes the posts in your jaw, allowing them to hold your new teeth firmly in place. Your teeth cannot shift around in your mouth or fall out. Additionally, the teeth are supported by the implant posts, which are supported by your jawbone, rather than your gums. This keeps pressure off of delicate soft tissue.

If your dentures are causing you discomfort, we can help. Call Florida Prosthodontics at (321) 452-3388 today to learn more.