My dentures are rubbing my gums and leaving sores. What is the best way to get dentures to fit correctly? My dentist tried to adjust the denture twice, but he really made things worse. I used sandpaper to trim the denture down, and that did help a bit but not perfectly. What can my dentist do to give me a better fit? Thanks, Chris P
Chris,
Thank you for contacting Dr. Tostado’s office. He or Dr. Acuña would need to examine your denture to determine why it’s rubbing on your gums, but we will explain the causes.
Why Do Dentures Rub on Your Gums?
A denture may rub on your gum for one of these reasons:
- Your jawbone is shrinking – When all your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks progressively. A denture that is not snug will rub on your gums.
- Food debris beneath the denture – Food particles can get trapped beneath a loose denture and irritate your gums.
- Damaged denture – Cracks or chips in a denture can irritate your gums and make them sore.
- Bacteria beneath the denture – Removing the denture and cleaning it daily prevent bacteria buildup that can cause inflammation and sores. For details, read our post about the results of wearing your denture overnight.
- Poor-fitting denture – If a denture fits too loosely or tightly, it can rub your gums.
What Is the Solution for Dentures That Rub Your Gums?
Get a second opinion if your dentures continue to rub on and irritate your gums
The solution for dentures that rub on your gums depends on the cause. After an examination, a dentist may do more or one of the following:
- Reline the denture
- Adjust the denture
- Give you suggestions for denture care
- Take impressions of your mouth for a new denture
If your dentist cannot adjust your dentures, schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.
San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Dr. Tostado is a prosthodontist specializing in custom dentures.