During the adjustment period for dentures, it’s normal to feel a little discomfort. It takes time for your gums to adapt to holding your dentures, which puts more force on them than they’re used to. This is true even with great-fitting dentures like FOY® Dentures, although the adjustment period is typically shorter.

There are many potential home remedies that people recommend for denture pain. Being home remedies, these aren’t really tested, but they’re generally harmless.

Aniseed Rinse

This rinse is like a form of tea, and it’s an old, old remedy. It’s made with two teaspoons of crushed aniseed, 1 tablespoon of peppermint leaves, and two cups of boiling water. Steep for 8 hours, and strain. You can add 1 teaspoon of myrrh tincture as a preservative. You don’t need a preservative if you’re using it daily and keep it in the fridge. Shake before using and rinse your mouth with 2 tablespoons of the solution twice a day.

In this rinse, it’s likely the peppermint that is actually helping here, since it has proven pain relief properties, but it could be that the aniseed has some heretofore unexplained effect.

Salt Water

Warm salt water is a great way to ease sore gums. Rinse with it twice a day to help your mouth stay clean and avoid denture sores.

Olive Oil

dreamstime_s_41908041Many people swear by the olive oil remedy. Olive oil does have some known properties as an anti-inflammatory, and it can help increase the levels of vitamin K locally. It also has some antibacterial properties, too, so it can help reduce bacteria on your gums. Rinse your mouth with a swish of olive oil. Spit. Then repeat for 5-10 minutes. You can also apply olive oil directly to the gums when you remove your dentures for the night.

Cloves

Cloves are an ancient home remedy for oral pain, and there is minimal evidence supporting their effectiveness as pain relief. Use ground cloves or grind your own with a coffee grinder. Moisten with olive oil and dab onto sores.

If Denture Pain Persists

Denture pain shouldn’t last long. If your denture pain persists, you should talk to your dentist. You should also talk to a dentist if your dentures start hurting you after you’ve been wearing them for a while without pain. Chances are, you need to get your dentures refitted.

If you are looking for quality dentures that fit great, please contact a local FOY® Dentures dentist.