TROUBLE WITH YOUR DENTURES? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
Dentures are meant to restore your smile and chewing function—not cause discomfort. But sometimes, especially in the first weeks or months, patients may experience issues like looseness, pain, difficulty chewing, or even sore spots on the gums.
Whether you’re new to dentures or you’ve had them for a while, here’s what you need to know when problems arise.
1. IF YOUR DENTURES FEEL LOOSE
Common Causes:
- Changes in your jawbone over time (bone resorption)
- Loss of suction or friction with the gums
- Wear and tear of the denture base
- Improper fit from the start
What to Do:
- Visit your dentist for a reline or adjustment. Over time, your gums and bone shrink, and your denture may need to be reshaped to fit the new contours.
- Use denture adhesive sparingly. While temporary adhesives may help in emergencies, they are not a long-term solution for poor fit.
- Avoid trimming or reshaping the denture yourself. DIY adjustments often worsen the fit.
2. IF YOUR DENTURES ARE PAINFUL OR CAUSING SORES
Common Causes:
- High-pressure points from an uneven fit
- Sharp edges or overextended flanges
- Accumulated food particles under the denture
- Denture stomatitis or fungal infection
What to Do:
- Schedule a check-up immediately. Your dentist can identify the exact cause and make the needed modifications.
- Remove the denture overnight. Let your gums rest and heal.
- Rinse with warm salt water. This helps soothe sore areas.
- Clean your denture thoroughly. Food particles and plaque buildup worsen irritation.
- Avoid spicy or hard foods until the sore heals.
3. IF YOU FEEL PAIN WHEN CHEWING
Common Causes:
- Poor alignment of the denture teeth
- Uneven bite pressure
- Pressure sores developing under the denture
- Food getting trapped under the base
What to Expect and Do:
- Mild discomfort is normal in the early stages. But if pain continues beyond two weeks, it’s not normal.
- Dentists may adjust the bite (occlusion) to distribute pressure evenly.
- Stick to soft foods initially. Gradually reintroduce tougher textures as your gums and muscles adapt.
- Use both sides of your mouth when chewing to balance the pressure.
WHEN TO SEE A DENTIST
See your dentist immediately if:
- You have ulcers or open sores that won’t heal
- Pain increases instead of improving
- Dentures shift or fall out when talking or eating
- You develop persistent bad breath or a strange taste (possible infection)
- You can’t eat comfortably despite following care tips
MAINTAINING COMFORTABLE DENTURES
- Get regular check-ups, especially if your dentures are over 2–3 years old
- Soak dentures overnight in a recommended cleaning solution
- Never use boiling water or harsh cleaners
- Replace your dentures when they become visibly worn or discolored
- Report any discomfort early—it’s easier to fix when caught soon
WHAT IF YOUR DENTURES BREAK?
Dentures can crack, chip, or even snap completely—especially if they’re dropped or have become weakened over time.
If your denture breaks, don’t try to fix it yourself using glue or DIY kits. These can damage the material and cause irritation to your gums.
Repairs may be possible if the damage is minor—such as a single tooth breaking off or a small crack in the base. In such cases, your dentist can send the denture to a lab for professional repair, often within a day or two.
However, if the break is severe, the denture is old (over 5 years), or it no longer fits well, a new set may be the better long-term solution. Repeated patch-ups can cost more in the long run and may compromise comfort or function.
In short:
- Repair for minor, first-time damage
- Replace if the denture is old, repeatedly breaking, or no longer fitting properly
Your dentist will advise you based on the condition of the denture and the health of your gums.
FINAL WORD
Dentures should feel like part of your mouth—not a burden. If yours are loose, painful, or causing sores, don’t tough it out. Your comfort can be restored with a simple adjustment, a reline, or in some cases, a new denture.
At Dentist in Harare, we help patients restore their quality of life through proper denture care and fitting. Don’t wait—book an evaluation today.
