Pain or Problems with Your Denture

Time for a denture reline?

First, how long has it been since your last checkup with your dental prosthetist? Unknown to some, dentures – and the wearer – require regular checkups and occasional relines to help improve the fit of the denture. Without a denture reline your denture may fit poorly, which could result in:

Our bodies are always changing – they don’t remain the same as we might think. Over time, our gums and jawbone change shape. In particular, if you no longer have your natural teeth stimulating the jawbone, your bone tissue slowly resorbs (disintegrates). This causes your gums to change shape, and consequently, your denture will no longer fit as well or as comfortably as it once did.

When a dental prosthetist performs a denture reline, they adjust the denture, changing the surface that fits close to the gums, along with any other changes that are required. This makes wearing your denture comfortable.

Time for new dentures?

Most people get approximate 5 to 7 years of wear out of their denture/s. If you’re experiencing soreness or irritation, it could be time for new dentures.

Alternatively, if you have inferior quality, poorly made dentures, you may want to invest in new, better quality dentures that could help improve your quality of life.

Talk to your dental prosthetist to discuss the best option for you.

Chipped or damaged dentures

If you have chipped or damaged your denture and continue to wear it, it could be causing unnecessary soreness. If your dentures are damaged, don’t wear them, and don’t try to fix the denture yourself. This may exacerbate the problem, damaging the denture further and potentially adding to the expense of the repairs. Home repairs may also lead to changes in the surface of the denture which may harm your gums, tongue or cheek.

Practice good hygiene

Often, pain and irritation the mouth can be relieved simply by practising good oral hygiene and giving your mouth a good rest from your dentures every day. Take a look at the following tips:

Brush and soak your dentures – Brush your dentures each day with a denture brush and denture cleanser. Soak your dentures overnight in a glass of water and suitable denture cleanser, as advised by your dental prosthetist.

Oral hygiene – Every day, gently clean any remaining teeth, and clean and massage your gums with a soft toothbrush, making sure you pay special attention to the areas where the denture sits. Don’t just stop at the gums, though; clean your tongue with a soft toothbrush as well.

Give your gums a rest – Make sure you take your dentures out at night. Most people find it easiest to do, while you sleep. This will give your mouth and gum the chance to rest, which will help prevent any irritation or soreness. Resting your gums each night will also do wonders for keeping sore gums at bay.