Complete dentures are removable appliances designed to replace a full arch of missing teeth. Dentures can improve your nutrition by allowing you to have a more diverse diet. They can also enhance confidence and overall quality of life. But can dentures wear down your gums? In this article, we address this question and talk about the steps you can take to improve denture comfort and gum health.

Can Dentures Wear Down Your Gums?

If your dentures do not fit properly or are not properly maintained, they can cause irritation, gum wear, and other gum-related issues over time. Let us look at the factors that can contribute to these problems and the steps you can take to improve your experience and oral health when wearing dentures:

Make Sure Your Oral Hygiene Is Effective

An effective oral hygiene regimen for individuals wearing dentures consists of thoroughly cleaning your gums and natural teeth, if present, twice a day, and keeping your dentures clean as well. It is essential because food residue and bacteria that accumulate in your mouth and on your dentures can contribute to gum irritation and even cause gum disease, the leading cause of gum recession. Additionally, gum irritation and sores caused by dentures are more difficult to heal when harmful bacteria proliferate in the mouth.

We recommend following the cleaning directions provided by your dentures’ manufacturer and your dentist’s advice on how to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Consult Your Dentist if Your Dentures Do not Fit Properly

In most cases, you will experience discomfort and possibly some rubbing or irritation when you first wear your dentures. However, these issues should subside as you become accustomed to your new appliances. If you continue to experience discomfort or your dentures slip frequently, it may indicate that they do not fit you correctly. In the long run, an improper fit can lead to chronic gum irritation or gum recession.

In some cases, your dentures can become uncomfortable after a period of wearing them, even if they initially fit and feel comfortable. This happens due to a natural process of jawbone resorption (loss of bone density) when you are missing your natural teeth. Since the jawbone becomes smaller, the dentures stop fitting you correctly.

Regardless of whether your dentures are uncomfortable to begin with and you cannot get used to them, or you start having problems with your appliances after wearing them for some time, we recommend bringing the issue to your dentist’s attention. In cases when your dentures do not fit properly, they have to be adjusted or replaced with a new set.

Adjust Your Diet

Your dentures can slip and rub, causing various gum issues, if you eat foods that are too hard, chewy, or crunchy. Chewing such foods puts excessive pressure on the dentures and, as a result, on your gums as well. Traditional dentures can provide only up to 25% of natural bite force, so we recommend adhering to soft and easy-to-chew foods to avoid denture discomfort and preserve your gum health.

Use a Denture Adhesive

Lastly, if you ensure that your dentures fit correctly, but still experience rubbing, slipping, or any other discomfort, we recommend trying a denture adhesive. This product can help your dentures stay in place when you talk and eat, thus reducing gum irritation. However, do not forget to wash the adhesive off thoroughly every evening.

Make an Appointment at Dental Care of Pomona

If you need new dentures or require servicing of your existing ones, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a reliable dentist at Dental Care of Pomona. At our office, we utilize high-quality materials and effective methods to deliver the best results for each client.