A Parent’s Guide to Emergency Dental Care

Posted on: 10 February 2018

When you must have one or both rows of teeth completely replaced, dentures are an affordable option that can restore your smile within a short period of time (often the same day). However, it typically takes at least a week or two for your gums to adjust. If you're still suffering from gum sores after the healing period has passed, here are two things that could be causing the problem and what can be done to fix it.

The Dentures are Not Fitted Correctly

One reason why you may be continuing to develop sores on your gums and experiencing other oral problems (such as soreness and inflammation) is because the dentures are either too big or too small. Dentures that are too big will slip around in the mouth, while ones that are too small may be putting undue pressure on the gum tissue. In both cases, the sores are typically a result of friction damage.

The only way to fix this issue is to make an appointment with your dentist to have the dentures adjusted to fit better in your mouth. Until you get into see the dentist, using a soft lining with your dentures may prevent further damage and reduce the amount of discomfort you feel.

You're Not Properly Cleaning Your Dentures

Another cause of gum sore is improper denture cleaning. The human mouth contains up to 1,000 different types of bacteria, and those microorganisms don't go away just because you've had some or all of your teeth pulled. They stick around and accumulate on all oral surfaces, including your new dentures.

This is why it's critical you clean your dentures at least once per day using a toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner designed for use on dentures. This will remove food debris and other deposits that can attract harmful bacteria. At night, let your dentures soak in a sanitizing solution that will kill the bacteria and help the denture retain their shape. Be sure to rinse the false teeth before putting them in your mouth, as the soaking solution can be harmful if swallowed.

In addition to cleaning your dentures, rinse your mouth out daily using a medicated mouthwash to help eliminate excess bacteria. Massage your gums to promote blood circulation, which can also help fight off bacteria because the increased blood movement will bring white blood cells (the germ fighters) to the mouth.

There may be other reasons why you're continuing to develop mouth sores because of your dentures. Contact a clinic, like Justice Dental , for more help.