First-Time Dentures & Olive Oil for Sore Gums

First-time denture wearers frequently suffer from sore gums as their mouths adjust to the presence of a foreign object and their jaws learn to move around the dentures. According to the "Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies," olive oil is a popular and effective remedy for sore gums 12. It will not eliminate infection, gingivitis and other causes of sore gums, however, so if the pain gets worse or lasts for several weeks, consult your dentist.

Dentures and Gums

Dentures frequently cause sore gums in the first few weeks. Your gums might be irritated by the dentures themselves, the denture adhesive or the altered chewing many denture wearers engage in. Sometimes the sore gums aren't caused by the dentures but by the underlying condition that necessitated dentures. According to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book," many denture wearers suffer from gingivitis, with can cause swelling and pain in the gums 12.

Olive Oil Remedies

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Olive oil treats gum soreness by minimizing swelling and increasing vitamin K levels, which can reduce bacteria in the mouth, according to the "Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies." Simply swish a tablespoon of olive oil in your mouth for a few seconds and spit it out 12. Repeat for about 10 minutes. At night when you remove your dentures, apply olive oil directly to the gums.

Signs of Infection

If olive oil treatments do not help, or if the pain is still present or worse after a week, consult your dentist. Some denture wearers suffer from gum and jaw infections, particularly if they have recently had several teeth removed, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. 2"

Other Problems

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Some denture wearers suffer from chronic dry mouth. Many denture adhesives dry out the mouth, resulting in pain and sensitivity in the gums. Olive oil can help prevent dry mouth. Dab the oil on your gums a few minutes before you apply your dentures. Wait for the gums to absorb the oil and then wipe away any excess oil with a cloth. Occasionally, poorly fitting dentures cause sore gums, and olive oil is unlikely to help with this problem. If you notice that your dentures move around in your mouth or you have trouble speaking several weeks after getting your dentures, consult your dentist.