If all of your teeth are in poor health, then your dentist may suggest to remove all your teeth. Dentures are often used to replace missing teeth, and this may be a good option for you. However, individuals sometimes find it difficult to get used to the dentures. Pain and soreness are common when the false teeth are first used. To learn about some ways to reduce this discomfort, keep reading.

Spread Salt on Your Gums

Your gums will become quite sore as the acrylic base of your dentures press on the soft tissues. Over time, your gums will shrink over the jawbone. The discomfort will reduce as the gums become more tough and rigid, but you will need to wait several months for the gums to shrink down over the bone. You will experience swelling and pain. Sores also may form, and bacteria can cause infections around the sores. To reduce pain, swelling, and infection risks, spread a small amount of salt over the gum tissues. Use either regular table or sea salt, and apply the salt several times a day.

The salt will do several things. It will reduce inflammation by pulling fluid out of the gums and constricting blood vessels. It will kill bacteria on the tissues to reduce infections, and it will also calm throbbing sensations. If you do not want to apply salt to the tissues several times a day, then you can alternate the salt treatment with a bit of clove or tea tree oil. The oils can also reduce swelling and kill bacteria around the gums.

Use a Cushion Grip

Your first set of dentures will likely feel a bit loose as some of the initial swelling goes down. Typically, your dentist will wait for inflammation to reduce significantly and for the gums to shrink before a new and more fitted acrylic base is created for the dentures. The loose-fitting dentures may rub against the gums in the meantime. You can use denture adhesives to secure the dentures. The adhesives come in powder and cream form, but the adhesives will wear away fairly quickly.

Instead of using adhesives, use a cushion grip material instead. Cushion grip is a flexible thermoplastic material that can be spread along the underside of the dentures. To use it, soak the tube of material in a glass of warm water until the contents are pliable. Spread a thin layer of the thermoplastic along the underside of the dentures. Use three pea-sized dabs of the material and use a small wooden or plastic stick to spread the grip across the denture base. Allow the thermoplastic to set for several minutes. Afterwards, press the dentures on your gums so the grip material molds to them. Keep the dentures pressed down for about 5 to 10 minutes so a solid impression is created. 

Your new dentures may not be quite as comfortable as you expected. Thankfully, there are many ways you can keep discomfort at bay. If at-home methods do not work, then make sure to speak with dentists like Michael G Landy DDS as soon as possible so your dentures and gums can be assessed.