Denture pain? Here's how to soothe sore spots

Posted on October 2, 2025 in Healthy You

Wearing dentures can boost your confidence and improve your quality of life. But if you’re dealing with denture sore spots, it’s hard to feel good about your smile. Denture-related discomfort is common, especially for new wearers or those whose dentures don’t fit properly. Fortunately, you can find relief with the right care.

What are denture sore spots?

Denture sore spots are areas in your mouth where your dentures rub or press on your gums, causing irritation, tenderness or small sores. These sore spots often occur when dentures don’t fit right: They may be too loose, too tight or have sharp edges.

Signs of denture sore spots

Below are common signs that you may have denture-related sore spots:

• Red, painful areas on your gums
• Pain when eating or speaking
• Discomfort that worsens throughout the day
• Sores that don’t heal or keep returning

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Continuing to wear poorly fitting dentures can worsen your pain and may even lead to an infection.

At-home therapies for denture sores

If you’re experiencing denture-related soreness and pain, there are some simple ways you can find relief.

• Remove your dentures occasionally: Give your gums a break, especially if you feel pressure building in one area.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: This can help soothe irritation by keeping bacteria at bay and keep the area clean.
• Use a denture cushion or adhesive: These temporary solutions can help reduce friction until you can see your dentist.

These therapies may help ease sores or at least make you more comfortable while you wait to see your dentist. One thing you don’t want to do is adjust your dentures yourself. It might be tempting to file down a rough spot, but doing so could worsen the problem. If your dentures need reshaping or adjusting, your dentist is the right person to do it.

When to call your dentist

If you have sores that aren’t going away with at-home treatments, then you need to call your dentist because your dentures likely need to be adjusted to prevent further pain. A dentist can find the exact cause of the irritation and reshape your dentures for a better fit. Sometimes, a new set of dentures may be needed if your current pair no longer fits your mouth.

It’s also important to understand that you shouldn’t only see your dentist when you’re in pain; you also need to see your dentist for a preventive checkup and deep cleaning every 6 months. Seeing your dentist twice a year will ensure that your dentures are in good condition and that your gums and mouth remain healthy and pain free.

Don’t have a dentist? Delta Dental of Iowa can help

If you don’t currently see a dentist, Delta Dental of Iowa makes it easy to find one near you. Use the online Find a Provider tool or call the number on the back of your Delta Dental ID card for help.

SOURCE:

Fixodent