Dental insights · Dental restorations
My denture is rubbing: what can I do?
An area rubs when you chew, your denture suddenly feels looser or a small sore hurts: these changes deserve attention. Sore spots can also occur with a new denture. But this does not mean you simply have to endure the pain. The Bavarian State Dental Association recommends arranging a review promptly if a new denture is rubbing. BLZK: Questions about dentures
The following five steps help you understand symptoms and prepare for a conversation at the practice. They do not replace an examination.
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AI-generated01 Do not dismiss pain as a necessary part of getting used to a denture
A new denture brings questions: how do I put it in? How does chewing feel? Where should it rest? A painful area cannot, however, be explained simply by the denture being new. Poorly fitting or damaged dentures and retained denture adhesive can cause sore spots. The joint oral care guide from ZQP and the German Dental Association describes these links and recommends checking the fit. ZQP/BZÄK: Oral care, pages 16–18
If you are in pain, call your dental practice. When arranging the appointment, say whether you can still eat and drink and whether the symptoms are worsening. This helps the team assess the urgency.
02 Describe the change as precisely as possible
You do not need technical terms for the conversation. Instead, note: when did the problem start? Does it affect a particular area? Does it occur when inserting the denture, chewing or even when it is not under pressure? Is the denture new, or has the fit of a familiar restoration changed?
Visible redness, sore areas, a rocking denture or sharp broken edges need dental assessment. The BZÄK oral hygiene handbook explicitly lists these as warning signs. In people who find it difficult to communicate pain, unusually slow eating or avoiding certain foods may also be reasons to ask further questions. BZÄK: Oral hygiene handbook, page 7
03 Have adjustments made at the practice
A sore spot may require a targeted adjustment to the denture. The BLZK describes selective adjustment at a review appointment as a possible measure. The area that needs changing should therefore be assessed at the practice. Do not grind the denture yourself or alter any retaining components. BLZK: Questions about dentures
Also ask by telephone how you should wear the denture until your appointment. Individual advice is helpful when considering breaks from wearing it while the oral lining is sore. A blanket recommendation to keep wearing it all the time or leave it out permanently does not suit every denture. ZQP/BZÄK: Oral care, page 16
04 Discuss care and adhesives too
A review also considers everyday life with your denture. Remove food remnants and deposits regularly using the aids recommended for your restoration. Place a towel in the basin when cleaning: it cushions a possible fall. Ask about a suitable cleaning product and have difficult-to-reach surfaces shown to you. The oral lining, tongue and any remaining natural teeth also need care. BLZK: Care tips for dental restorations
If you suddenly need much more denture adhesive than usual, mention this. The ZQP/BZÄK guide particularly recommends professional advice in this situation. More adhesive should not be the only response to a change in fit. ZQP/BZÄK: Oral care, page 18
05 Keep having the fit checked
A denture needs reviews even after the initial settling-in period. The KZBV recommends a dental review twice a year for complete dentures. Depending on the findings, the fitting surface may need adjustment, for example by relining. The review interval and measures suitable for your denture are clarified at the examination. KZBV: Complete dentures
Write down three questions for the appointment: what is causing the painful area? How should I wear and clean the denture until the next review? When should I contact you again? This gives you specific guidance for everyday life.
More about Restorative dentistry and contacting the practice.
Sources and further information
General information based on the professional sources listed below. Sources reviewed: 25.09.2026. Your individual situation is assessed during an examination.