3 Causes of Long-Term Denture Sore Spots

New denture wearers commonly suffer from sore spots during the first few days and weeks while they get used to their denture. However, once you get used to your denture, sore spots should become a thing of the past. If, as a long-term denture wearer, you still suffer from a sore spot in a specific area on occasion, this can become a debilitating problem.

As such, you need to find the cause and see your dentist so that they can make the necessary adjustments to your denture.

1. Dehydration Can Shrink Your Dentures

When you first get your dentures, it generally takes several weeks of small adjustments before you and your dentist find a comfortable fit. However, after that, time and wear and tear can take its toll. One form of wear and tear that some denture wearers aren't aware of is dehydration. Because the denture material is porous, it dries out easily if not soaked in water when not in use.

Moreover, if left out in the sun, dentures can also become dehydrated. Dehydrated dentures gradually shrink, losing their shape. Because of this, they no longer fit as they should, and you may begin to experience sores that worsen over the weeks and months.

2. Surface Imperfections Can Cause Sores

If you take good care of your dentures, they should last almost a decade. However, during that time, wear and tear might cause surface imperfections to appear. Scratches, fissures, and pits, no matter how small, will irritate your soft tissues and cause sores to form. If you periodically suffer from sores in certain areas, check the surface of your denture.

Your dentist may need to file the offending areas down to prevent sores from forming in the future.

3. Your Jawbone May Change Over Time

Eventually, your jawbone will shrink over time if you don't replace the teeth you have lost. This is a fact of nature. Your body will put the bone in your jaw that no longer serves a purpose to better use elsewhere. Unfortunately, this causes certain areas of your jawbone will change in shape, meaning the fit of your denture will also change.

Gradually, these changes will cause sores to form on your gums and other soft tissues. If your dentures don't appear to have any wear and tear or surface imperfections, the issue could be your jawbone and not the dentures themselves. In this case, you probably need a new set of dentures that can fit comfortably to the shape of your jaw.

Have you suffered from long-term sores because of your dentures? Then you may need to see your dentist about having them repaired or even replaced.