Managing The Swelling From New Dentures
It is entirely normal to experience pain and discomfort for the first few days to weeks after receiving new dentures. If your pain is severe, please call our office right away, but if your pain is moderate and more just a discomfort, there are ways you can manage the discomfort at home.
Swelling Gums
You may notice as you get home with your new dentures that your gums feel swollen and uncomfortable. This is completely normal. Remember that your entire mouth and face have to adjust to wearing prosthetics. You can try taking an over the counter pain relief or even apply a topical gel or cream to your gums. Make sure that it is made specifically for oral care. You can also apply aloe vera gel to your dentures once or twice a day to help soothe and eliminate swelling.
After you remove your dentures at night and clean them you can add about a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Rinsing your mouth with a salt water solution for 30 seconds can help relieve some of the discomfort of swelling and reduce inflammation of the gums. You can also gently massage your gums with clean fingers. This not only helps reduce swelling, but it encourages blood circulation to the irritated areas encouraging healing.
Be sure to remove your dentures at night. Cleaning them nightly and letting them soak in water is an important part of caring for your new prosthetics, but it also gives your gums a chance to recover during the night. The pressure of new dentures can be exhausting and this gives your body a chance to rest and relax.
Remember to give yourself time to adjust and try some of these remedies. If you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, please call our office right away.