Keep your dentures fitting comfortably.
Dentures that don't fit properly can be uncomfortable to wear and lead to future health problems. Wearers can expect some changes in fit, because as you age, you experience adjustments in gum and bone size. Ignoring ill-fitting dentures can result in mouth sores or even infections, so it's important to address the problem as soon as you notice the signs. Taking care of your dentures by brushing them daily and soaking them at night is a good way to reduce the risk of future problems. But, if you do feel discomfort, there are ways to relieve the pain.
Instructions
1. Reline your dentures. There are three types of relinement. Hard reline are periodic procedures where the acrylic is scraped away until a comfortable fit is achieved, a mold is made and new acrylic is fit to the dentures. Soft relines coat the acrylic with a permanent, cushioned resin that eases the contact on the gums. They are often done when the gums are too swollen to fit for a new pair. Temporary relines coat the acrylic with a soft resin until the patient can be fitted with a new pair.
2. Use a denture adhesive. Loose dentures produce friction against the gums that can result in soreness and may cause bleeding. Some people with dry mouth conditions may also experience slippage because of a lack of bonding. For application of a paste to upper plates, apply three short lines or a few small dots in the center. Lower plates only need a few dots on the ridge area. The trick to applying adhesive properly is using less than you think you need.
3. Have your dentures' teeth filed. Denture wearers can experience problems chewing food and continually biting their cheek or tongue. This can be the result of high spots in your dentures, which means the teeth are not even. Your dentist will be able to file these spots down to give you a better bite. If you suspect that you have high spots on your partials, remember to stay away from hard food. When preparing vegetables, for example, steam them for a softer consistency.
Tips Warnings
Massaging your gums helps alleviate some of the soreness caused by uncomfortable dentures by promoting blood flow.
Hot water can warp dentures, so soak them in warm or room temperature water.
