The Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice reports that 57 percent of people ages 65 to 74 wearing some form of denture. And there is one thing all of these people know — denture pain is no joke. But there are things you can do to minimize and prevent it. Here are a few tips.
POST-PLACEMENT PAIN
Pain and swelling are to be expected immediately after extraction and denture placement. This is a time of transition and healing that can be aided by over the counter pain reliever. And one of the best things you can do is give your jaw and gums time to rest by taking out your dentures each night.
During this healing period, The American College of Prosthodontists advises against using a denture adhesive if you can. These creams are very helpful for later on when your mouth is completely healed.
Another way to manage the pain of new dentures is with a prescription for benzocaine. Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that is applied topically and can dull or numb the sore spots created by new dentures.
PAIN PREVENTION
One of the best things you can do to prevent denture pain is to stop it before it starts. Watching what you eat can play a role in prevention. There are certain foods like popcorn, sticky gum or candy, corn on the cob and certain types of meat that are known for causing problems with dentures. These foods can be lodged in or under your dentures causing your bite to get off. When eating these foods, cut them in small pieces, chew slowly and clean your dentures as soon as you can afterwards.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Howstuffworks.com explains that there are several natural remedies known to ease denture pain including rinsing your mouth anise seed rinses or clove seed oil. Gargling with salt water keeps bacteria at bay and toughens your gum tissue.
WHEN TO VISIT YOUR DENTIST
While some pain is normal, intense pain or pain that continues months after you receive dentures is not. The most common cause of this prolonged discomfort is ill fitting dentures that need to be adjusted. This is when you need to get an appointment with your dental specialist who will evaluate your mouth and make any necessary modifications to your dentures.
Even if your dentures are fitting properly, they may need to be relined or replaced depending on how long you’ve had them and any wear and tear they have endured.