Although dentures can be a great way to restore a patient’s confidence, soreness is not uncommonly heard of when it comes to dentures. Soreness is common and actually expected, but there are plenty of ways to help deal with it when it comes to getting that new smile makeover.
What are dentures?
Dentures are essentially new teeth for anyone with missing teeth. Dentures can be a great option for those who wish to smile without embarrassment around their loved ones. Dentures can also be taken in and out of the mouth at any time and are made to look just like their natural counterpart. There are also different variations of this procedure possible for those who are lacking only small amounts of teeth. Consult a dental professional if you believe dentures may be right for you.
Pain and soreness
Getting used to dentures requires a period of adjustment. These are not your natural teeth after all. New dentures may feel awkward until you begin to accommodate for them. As your bones begin to adjust to the procedure, you may find that saliva flow may increase by a bit. If there are any immediate pains after the procedure, it is often recommended to use some painkillers for the next day or two. Eating and swallowing may be a pain as the mouth will be sore. For situations like this, stick to soft foods such as jello and pudding for the first week. By the time the first week settles in, you should be able to eat solids again. Remember to chew slowly and use both sides of the mouth at the same time. Avoid hot liquids, bones, or shells as this can cause additional irritation to sensitive areas.
Cleaning can help
While it may hurt to brush, maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to making your dentures last longer and avoiding future dental discomforts. Aim to clean your dentures overnight to prevent yeast, thrush or bacteria. Do not try to remove your dentures too much during the early stages as this will disrupt the healing process. However, it is a viable option to temporarily ease the pain if you are having trouble sleeping due to soreness. In general, try to relax your gums. Your gums are swelling and getting your gums inflamed is more than possible. If you are having trouble sleeping, try to relax and take out your mouthpiece and allow saliva to naturally cleanse your mouth for the night.
Herbs?
If you believe in herbs and natural remedies, try taking some aloe vera to overcome denture pain. It can help heal the inflammation and has pain-alleviating qualities. The same goes for turmeric as it contains a compound called curcumin that contains antioxidants and beneficial qualities for gum swelling. Black tea also has tannic acid that can help soothe gum swelling and ward off harmful bacteria. The pain that comes with getting new dentures is definitely no joke. However, the smile you will possess in the end will be well worth it. If the pain does not decrease within the first four weeks, consult a professional; this may be a sign that your dentures may be too loose or tight!
