Treatment of Gum Pain Caused by Dentures
The most critical first step is to have your dental team evaluate and adjust ill-fitting dentures, as improperly fitting prostheses are the primary cause of denture-related gum pain and can lead to ulcers, stomatitis, hyperplasia, and chronic infections. 1, 2
Immediate Denture Management
Remove dentures as much as possible until gum tissues heal. 1
- Stop wearing dentures overnight and defer wearing them during the day as much as possible until healing occurs. 1
- Before reinserting dentures (if in a hospital setting), soak them for 10 minutes in chlorhexidine 0.2% antimicrobial solution. 1
- Remove dentures before performing any oral care routine. 1
Daily Denture and Oral Hygiene Protocol
Proper denture hygiene is essential to prevent infection and inflammation. 3, 4, 5
- Brush dentures with toothpaste and rinse thoroughly with water after removal. 1
- Clean the gums with a soft toothbrush or swab after denture removal. 1
- Store dentures in a dry environment outside the oral cavity when not wearing them. 4
- Rinse mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash at least four times daily for approximately 1 minute with 15 ml, then avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. 1
Pain Management
For temporary pain relief, benzocaine topical gel can be applied to painful gum areas. 6
- Benzocaine is FDA-approved for temporary relief of pain from sore gums and minor dental procedures. 6
- Stop use and consult your dentist if symptoms do not improve within 7 days, or if irritation, pain, redness persists or worsens. 6
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
Avoid irritating substances and foods that worsen gum pain. 1
- Eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption. 1
- Avoid tomatoes, citrus fruits, hot drinks, and spicy, hot, raw, or crusty foods. 1
- Maintain adequate fluid intake to keep the mouth moist. 1
Monitoring for Complications
Inspect oral mucosa daily for signs of infection or worsening inflammation. 1
- Watch for development of denture stomatitis (erythema, hyperplasia), which affects approximately 50% of denture wearers and is commonly caused by Candida albicans infection. 5, 7
- Monitor for traumatic ulcers, which occur in about 5% of denture wearers. 7
- Be alert for denture irritation hyperplasia, present in approximately 12% of denture wearers. 7
When to Seek Immediate Dental Care
Obtain immediate dental evaluation if: 1, 6
- Gum pain persists despite removing dentures and following hygiene protocols
- Extensive gingival or facial swelling develops 1
- Signs of infection appear (fever, pus, severe redness)
- Symptoms do not improve within 7 days 6
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Never continue wearing ill-fitting dentures despite pain, as chronic mechanical injury can lead to severe complications including bone resorption requiring dental implants, chronic candidiasis, and in rare cases, malignant transformation to oral carcinoma. 2, 7