Dental equipment such as dentures or partial dentures may irritate soft tissues in the mouth. If the irritation continues, the person may develop mouth sores. Sores can be found on the upper jaw, lower jaw, under the tongue, or on the palate. They are usually red and a little swollen.
Causes of denture sores include: alcoholismallergiesdiseases, conditions, and infections that weaken the person's immune systemfungal infections, such as oral thrushoral cancerrubbing from dentures or partialssmoking and chewing tobacco usean uneven bite, known as malocclusionwearing dentures or partials all night
The following measures can help prevent denture problems: avoiding smoking and tobaccogently massaging the gum area with a finger or soft brush to improve circulationkeeping dentures or partials free of plaque and stainslimiting alcohol intakeremoving dentures or partials before going to bedusing a soft toothbrush to keep the sore area clean
Individuals who wear full dentures should receive a yearly dental exam. People who wear partial dentures should have at least two exams per year. Dental repairs should be done by a dentist. People should not attempt to adjust their own dentures or partials.
