Best way to remove denture adhesive

Denture adhesive often remains stuck to your gums or roof of your mouth. It can feel uneasy, even after you have taken out your dentures. Knowing how to remove denture adhesive after each use is necessary to make the most of your denture wearing experience.

In this post, we will show you the ins-and-outs of effective denture adhesive removal. Follow the steps below to learn how to easily remove different types of dental adhesive. 

How do denture adhesives work?

Denture adhesives help to stabilize the dentures onto the gums. They work by gluing the denture to the tissue through the saliva. Your mouth’s natural moisture transforms the adhesive into an elastic-like membrane. It creates a soft, flexible layer between your denture and gums that sticks to both the denture and gum. 

Denture adhesives are great for a comfortable fit and a strong hold and seal. They help a person feel more comfortable when they eat or talk.

How to remove denture adhesive?

Often denture adhesive does not naturally become loose, making it difficult to remove your dentures. Sometimes, even after you have taken your dentures out, adhesive residue remains in your mouth. This can leave you with a sticky and uneasy feeling.

Here’s how you can remove dental adhesive from gums and clean up any adhesive remaining in your mouth:

• Use water to loosen the adhesive 

You can loosen denture adhesives with water or moisture. Gargle with warm salt water for 30 seconds to one minute. After 30 seconds or 1 minute, spit it out into the sink. Then rinse and repeat the process a couple of times, until most of the adhesive is washed away from your dentures and gums.

• Slowly remove denture 

Start by taking out the lower denture. Begin by gripping the middle part between your thumb and middle finger. Gently loosen the denture with a gentle back and forth motion. 

The bottom dentures should come out easily. When you feel the denture start to come out, gently pull up and out. 

Your top dentures may be slightly more challenging to remove. Repeat the same gentle rocking motion with your upper denture until you feel the denture start to come out. 

• Remove adhesive residue from denture

Rinse and clean your dentures of denture residue with warm water. Also, brush them clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush before soaking them in a denture cleaning solution.

• Clean your gums and mouth

If any adhesive remains on your gums after your removing dentures, you can easily get rid of this using multiple methods. 

Warm saline water: Mix half of a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water until it is completely dissolved. Just gargle some warm salt water, then rinse your mouth with the solution to loosen the denture adhesive. Repeat the process a couple of times. Gargle for a minute to wash away any remaining residue. It will help you to get rid of the sticky feeling on your gums.

Soft toothbrush: If the adhesive still won’t come out, gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste and warm water. Gently brush your gums without applying too much pressure with toothbrushes as it might irritate and damage your gums. 

Mouthwash: You can try gargling with mouthwash instead of water. Using mouthwash not only freshens your breath and improves your oral health, but also loosens the adhesive residue and rinse it away.

Massage your gums: Apart from swishing your mouth with warm water and brushing them, you can also massage your gums. Simply use the tip of your thumb to massage the roof of your mouth and other gum surfaces that hold the dentures in place. It will remove any leftover fixative on them. 

Use firm and circular motion as it helps to remove the adhesive from the gums. You can massage your gums once more to ensure your gums are completely adhesive free.

Massaging your gums also increases blood circulation and keeps your gums healthy. You must be careful not to hurt your gums with your fingernails. If you have long nails, it’s better to use a different method.

After the denture has been removed, swirl warm tap water in your mouth, two or three more times to thoroughly remove the adhesive residue. It is advisable to follow these steps regularly to maintain clean and healthy gums.

Quick tip: If you are uncertain about how much adhesive to use or unable to remove a denture, contact your dental health professional for expert advice. Remember to always follow the instructions on the pack or speak to a dentist.

Why Should You Remove Denture Adhesive?

To maintain good oral hygiene, dentures should be removed from the mouth at least six to eight hours in 24 hours. It will help you to clean them while allowing your gum tissue to rest.

You must ensure to completely remove the adhesive from your dentures and gums at night. For the strongest denture adhesive to create a water-tight seal, do not apply new adhesive before completely removing any old denture adhesive.

What happens if you use too much denture adhesive? 

Denture adhesives contain zinc and overuse of zinc-containing adhesives can elevate zinc levels in your body. Large quantities of zinc can lead to neurological disorders such as numbness or problems with balance and walking. Use denture adhesive only as directed by the manufacturer or by your denturist.

Final thoughts

You should make sure to properly clean and store your dentures. It will help to ensure they last for years to come.

Always use the recommended amount of denture adhesive and follow the instructions on the pack or as directed by your dentist. Also, do not apply adhesive more than once per day. Keep in mind that denture adhesive is not to be used as a substitute for poorly fitting dentures.