Gums under a denture that are bright red, sore or itchy, often without much pain, are easily ignored. This may be oral thrush, a condition common among denture wearers.
- A denture covering the gums makes the area underneath moist, which easily causes oral thrush with red, sore, itchy gums.
- Taking the denture out when sleeping, cleaning after meals and soaking in clean water help prevent thrush.
- Do not use medicine or apply strange substances to the gums on your own.
- Red, sore gums that last or white patches despite careful cleaning are a reason to see a dentist.
Many people who have worn dentures for years notice the gums under the denture are red, sore, itchy or feel hot, even though the denture still fits. Because it does not hurt much, many ignore it. In fact this may be oral thrush under the denture, a fairly common condition.
Why are denture wearers prone to thrush?
Fungus is a microorganism present in many people's mouths. When a denture covers the gums, saliva cannot get in, and the area underneath becomes moist with little air, which suits fungal growth very well. These factors make it more likely:
- Wearing the denture all day and night, without letting the gums rest.
- Poor denture cleaning, with plaque and tartar on the inside surface.
- A loose denture that rubs the gums constantly.
- Dry mouth, low resistance or diabetes, see what people with diabetes who wear dentures should know.
Signs to recognise
- Gums under the denture look red, dry or shiny, sometimes with white dots.
- Soreness, itching or a burning feeling.
- A dry mouth, altered taste or bad breath.
- Cracked corners of the mouth, see what causes cracked corners of the mouth.
Care and prevention
- Take the denture out when you sleep so the gums can rest, see whether to take a denture out when sleeping.
- Clean the denture after each meal and soak it in clean water overnight, see how to clean a denture with tartar, stains or a smell.
- Gently brush the gums, tongue and palate with a soft brush every day.
- Drink enough water so the mouth does not become dry.
Do not use medicine or apply strange substances to the gums yourself. Treatment for a fungal infection should be prescribed after an examination.
When should you see a dentist?
Have a check if the red, sore gums last, the denture is loose or hurts, there are white patches in the mouth or the problem does not improve even after careful cleaning. Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will examine the gums and denture and advise suitable treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Why are denture wearers prone to oral thrush?
Because the denture covers the gums, saliva cannot get in, so the area underneath is moist and suits fungal growth, especially when worn all night and cleaned poorly.
Will thrush under a denture clear by itself?
Usually not entirely if you keep wearing the denture at night and cleaning is poor. Take it out when sleeping, clean it well and see a dentist for advice.
Should I buy medicine for thrush myself?
No. See a dentist for a proper diagnosis and prescription.