Wearing dentures can greatly improve your quality of life as a result of restored smile and comfortability in eating. Many, however, feel some type of pain or discomfort, mostly at the beginning stages of wearing them. If you find yourself asking, “Why do my dentures hurt?”, you’re not alone. We discuss common causes of denture pain and how one can find relief.
Common Causes of Denture Pain
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New Dentures and Adjustment Period
When you first begin wearing dentures, your mouth takes time to adjust. Your gums, tongue, and jaw muscles need to get accustomed to the new appliance, which may cause temporary soreness. This adjustment period can last a few weeks, but the discomfort should gradually decrease as your mouth gets accustomed to the dentures.
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Poor Fit and Loose Dentures
Poorly fitting dentures can cause friction and sore spots in your mouth. The shape of your gums and jawbone changes over time, making well-fitting dentures loose. Loose dentures can rub against your gums, causing irritation and pain. Regular dental checkups can ensure that your dentures are adjusted to fit comfortably.
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Gum Infections or Irritation
Gum infections can result, causing irritation to the mouth when a denture is worn. Foul particles trapped under a denture can be inflamed with the trapped food debris. Cleanliness of your denture and mouth is important in preventing infection and comfort.
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Pressure Sores
Sometimes you may find out that some part of your dentures exerting too much pressure on specific spots in your gum causes soreness. It also happens in instances where your dentures do not distribute bite forces evenly, a sign that dentures are not equally balanced. A dentist should re-position your denture if the problem persists.
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Bone Resorption
Over time, the jawbone naturally shrinks due to bone resorption, especially if you’ve lost teeth. This can lead to changes in how your dentures fit, making them feel uncomfortable or painful. Periodic adjustments or even new dentures may be necessary to maintain a proper fit.
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Why Do My Bottom Dentures Hurt More?
Many denture-wearing patients are more sensitive with their lower set of dentures than with the upper set. This is primarily because the surface area for a lower jaw denture is naturally smaller than an upper jaw, allowing it to easily shift around inside the mouth, causing sore and irritated gums when it moves around too much. For this reason, using a denture adhesive may be beneficial to stabilize lower dentures or getting implant-supported dentures may make them feel significantly less painful to wear.
Tips to Overcome Denture Pain
- Give It Time– If your dentures are new, then be patient. Your mouth needs time to adjust, and mild discomfort is normal in the early stage.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Clean your dentures daily and soak them overnight to keep them free from bacteria and plaque.
- Use denture adhesives- A good adhesive can help keep your dentures stable and reduce friction.
- Massage Your Gums – Gentle massaging of your gums improves circulation and relieves soreness.
- Eat Soft Foods – Remain on a soft food diet during the recovery period to cause minimal pressure to your gums.
- Visit a Denturist for Adjustments – If your dentures continue to cause discomfort, a professional adjustment can make all the difference.
When to See a Professional
If your dentures continue to hurt despite your best efforts, it’s important to seek Calgary denturist help. Persistent pain, sore spots, or difficulty eating and speaking should not be ignored.
Finding Relief at North East Denture Clinic
If you’re in Calgary and struggling with denture pain, visiting a trusted denture clinic in Calgary can help you find relief. At North East Denture Clinic, our experienced dentist can assess your dentures and make necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit. Whether you need a simple adjustment, a relining, or a new set of dentures, we’re here to help you smile with confidence again. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!