Dentures have allowed millions of people to enjoy complete smiles after tooth loss, but they require regular care and maintenance to stay in working order. Since dentures do not address the issue of jawbone erosion that occurs after tooth loss, the patient’s mouth will change shape over time until their appliance no longer fits as well as it should. Here’s a brief guide to how this can lead to denture sores and how you can address these annoying and uncomfortable oral tissue lesions.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect the Jaw?
The jawbone receives the exercise it needs to stay healthy and strong from the teeth during the chewing process, and it is deprived of this stimulation after tooth loss. The section of the jawbone that once supported the tooth will atrophy and recede over time, which can potentially pull neighboring teeth out of alignment so they become more vulnerable to injury and infection. This can lead to a brutal cycle of recurring tooth loss.
How Do Denture Sores Form?
Each set of dentures is crafted based on detailed measurements of the patient’s gums, so yours should fit remarkably well when you first get them. However, the jaws will continue to change shape due to lack of stimulation, meaning that your dentures will eventually lose their fit over time. This can cause them to shift about upon the gums when speaking or chewing, causing friction that can cause abrasions on your soft oral tissues.
To make matters worse, having poorly fitting dentures can make it easier for bacteria and food debris to become trapped beneath your appliance. The space between your gums and dentures is especially protected from your mouth’s natural cleaning process, so these accumulations can lead to irritation and infection if they are not cleaned away regularly.
How Can I Get Rid of Denture Sores?
There are several ways to address denture sores, those being:
- Clean your dentures regularly: Rinse your dentures each time after eating, and remember to carefully brush and floss them once a day to eliminate plaque and food debris.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Remember to brush and floss your gums, tongue, and remaining teeth to eliminate bacteria and keep your soft tissues stimulated.
- Soak your dentures nightly: Removing and soaking your dentures before you go to sleep will allow your mouth time to rest and clean itself.
- See your dentist as needed: In addition to regular checkups, it’s important to see your dentist if your dentures aren’t fitting well so your appliance can be adjusted or replaced.
- Try denture adhesive: Many patients find that using denture adhesive allows them to wear their appliance more comfortably when they are between adjustments.
With excellent care, dentures can last up to twelve years before needing replacement. However, securing your appliance with dental implants may allow it to last for much longer.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal earned his dental degree at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and completed a fellowship in Implant Dentistry at New York University. He has been voted “Best Dentist in Scarborough” by the Readers Choice Awards for four consecutive years, most recently in 2017. His office in Nepean offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If you are concerned about denture sores, contact his office online or dial (613) 228-8768.