How To Remove Denture Adhesive From Your Gums
Fact Checked by Jaismine Singh
Jaismine Singh is a general dental practitioner, currently working in a charitable hospital. She has a strong interest in dental and medical writing and has a track record of many types of publications. She has expertise in writing and fact-checking book chapters and review articles. During her academic years, she was involved in research and presented papers and posters.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why You Should Remove Denture Adhesive
- 2 Tips to Loosen and Remove Your Dentures
- 3 The Best Ways To Remove Denture Adhesive From Your Gums
- 4 How Much Denture Adhesive Should I Use?
- 5 Denture Adhesive Removal FAQs
- 5.1 How often should I remove denture adhesive from my gums?
- 5.2 How long does it usually take to remove denture adhesive from gums?
- 5.3 Can I use dental floss or a toothbrush to remove denture adhesive from my gums?
- 5.4 How can I prevent denture adhesive from getting stuck to the roof of my mouth?
- 5.5 How do I know if I am using too much denture adhesive?
- 5.6 Should I consult my dentist or prosthodontist if I am having difficulty removing denture adhesive from my gums?
- 5.7 What should I do if I experience discomfort or pain while removing denture adhesive from my gums?
- 5.8 How can I prevent denture adhesive from getting stuck to the roof of my mouth?
- 6 In Conclusion
For those who wear false teeth, you will likely become quickly acquainted with denture adhesive. It is a powder, paste, or gel used to hold dentures in place in the mouth. Denture adhesives are very effective when used in this manner however, the downside is that the sticky material doesn’t always come off your dentures or gums very easily.
If you don’t remove denture adhesive from your gums, it can become uncomfortable and can affect how well the adhesive will work. Therefore, it is always recommended to remove denture adhesive from your gums and dentures before bedtime every day.
In this article, we will look at many different methods used to remove denture adhesive from your gums.
Why You Should Remove Denture Adhesive
To maintain good oral health, removing your dentures is a must. The most convenient way to do this is to take them out each night before bed. This gives your mouth and gums a rest and permits a thorough cleaning.
It is possible to remove dentures from your mouth and have little or no denture adhesive attached to either your false teeth or gums. However, you are most likely to end up with a little adhesive still in your mouth. It is important to remove this before going to bed. There are a few reasons for this, including:
- it gives your gums a chance to rest and heal
- you should not apply new adhesive on top of old adhesive as it can affect the seal and how well the adhesive works to keep your dentures in place.
Tips to Loosen and Remove Your Dentures
There is a method that you should follow to safely remove your dentures. The following step-by-step instructions will help you to create a routine and understand why your dentures must be removed in a specific manner.
Step 1 – Loosen Your Dentures
The material contained in your denture adhesive absorbs saliva, which prevents the glue from dissolving. The glue creates a seal that holds dentures in place with suction. To remove dentures, that seal must be broken. It can be done in one of several different ways.
Rinse Your Mouth
Use water that is hot enough to loosen the adhesive but not hot enough to burn or irritate your sensitive mouth tissue. Take a mouthful and swish it around for about 60 seconds. Repeat as needed until your dentures become loose enough to remove.
Use Mouthwash
A variation of rinsing with hot water is to replace the water with mouthwash. You would be swishing this inside your mouth as you would with hot water but only for about 30 seconds. Repeat as necessary. The benefit of using mouthwash in this step is that it will freshen your breath as you use it to loosen your dentures.
Use Salt Water
If mouthwash stings too much, try salt water in a mixture of one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Mix well and swish around in your mouth for about 60 seconds. Repeat until your dentures are loosened enough to remove.
Step 2 – Carefully Remove Dentures
Once you have loosened your dentures enough to remove them by rinsing your mouth, your next step is to take your false teeth out of your mouth. If you have both uppers and lowers, start with the bottom dentures first.
With your hand, grip the denture plate in such a manner that you can rock it back and forth. This will completely break the suction seal so you can take the denture out of your mouth.
The upper denture usually contains more suction which makes it sometimes more challenging to remove. You can try pushing your denture up and out with a thumb. If that does not do the trick, try using both index fingers, one on each side of the false teeth, and pull. Once air gets between the denture and the gum, it will release.
The Best Ways To Remove Denture Adhesive From Your Gums
How to remove denture adhesive from your gums will vary from person to person. Some denture wearers favor using the products found at the local drugstore that are meant for this purpose.
However, over time, they can be a costly investment. Plus, what do you do that night when you remove your false teeth and have no denture adhesive remover available?
Below is a list of various methods that can be used to remove denture adhesive. Some require tools or products that should be easy to find around your home. We encourage you to try as many of these ideas as possible to determine which methods you will use in the future.
1. Use Your Fingers
Chances are you are already using your fingers a little more than you expected with false teeth. You use them to insert and remove your dentures, you use them to assist with the cleaning process when you brush them, and you can use them to remove denture adhesive.
Here’s How You Do It…
Gently massage your gums with a fingertip. This will help to loosen the adhesive material and if you rinse your mouth and massage again, you should be able to remove all traces of the adhesive. Plus, massaging your gums will increase circulation to help keep them healthy.
2. Water Rinse
There are two variations to this method. One may prove to be the best way to remove denture adhesive from your gums for you. Just rinse your mouth with warm or cold water. Some people prefer to use a saltwater solution, so also give this a try.
You can choose to use warm water or cold water but there are two different outcomes:
Warm Water
When you rinse your mouth with warm water you are effectively softening the denture adhesive. This may make the adhesive easier for you to rub off your gums.
Cold Water
When using a cold-water rinse as a denture glue remover, the material will stiffen and get a little harder than it was. This may help you to remove it easier from your mouth.
3. Paper Towel/Washcloth
There are a couple of ways to do the same method where you used your fingertips to massage the gums to remove the denture adhesive. Only instead of using bare fingers, you use a piece of paper towel or a washcloth.
Not all paper towels are the same, so make sure that you get the ones that hold together better when wet. Rinse a piece of paper towel with warm or hot water. Fold it in half and wrap it around a finger. Gently rub this on your gums to loosen the adhesive. If you use a washcloth, use a similar method and soak it in warm or hot water and wrap it around a finger and gently rub your gums.
Using a paper towel or washcloth wrapped over your finger works in a similar fashion to using your finger alone, but it creates a little more friction that allows the adhesive to be rubbed off more easily.
4. Toothbrush
It may sound far too obvious, but a toothbrush with soft bristles can do wonders when you are challenged with how to remove denture adhesive. You can use either hot or cold water and be sure to brush in smooth, slow motions and rinse your mouth afterward with warm water. If you prefer, you can use toothpaste instead of water.
5. Denture Adhesive Remover Wipes
Depending on where you live, you may be able to find these handy options and one of the best ways to remove denture adhesive. However, denture wipes are sometimes difficult to locate. That is why we listed a number of alternatives above for you to consider.
If you want to try some denture adhesive remover wipes, then Clean-It Denture Wipes work well for many people. These denture adhesive remover wipes are designed to remove adhesive from your palate and gums, as well as from the dentures. They hold together well and don’t irritate your gums. Click the image or button below to have a closer look on Amazon.
How Much Denture Adhesive Should I Use?
When it comes to denture adhesive, the old saying “less is more” is relevant. Ideally, you would want to use as little cream, paste, or powder as possible. There are two reasons for this.
First, when you use too much adhesive, it oozes out from under your dentures and gets in your mouth and on your teeth. This can become messy and cause difficulty speaking.
Second, when you figure out the right amount to use, it will mean less cleaning up each night when you remove your dentures before bed. It will also cost you less. Although the instructions that come with the adhesives recommend a certain amount, it is wise to experiment to see what works best for you.
Denture Adhesive Removal FAQs
How often should I remove denture adhesive from my gums?
The general rule of thumb is to remove denture adhesive from your gums after you remove your dentures at the end of each day. Because the materials used in denture adhesives are created to hold false teeth in place with a strong grip, it can sometimes be difficult to completely remove the adhesive. However, if you do not remove the adhesive, it can result in irritated gums, soreness, or develop into an infection. Here is how you should remove denture adhesive:
– Rock your dentures back and forth gently to break the seal
– Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any loose particles of denture adhesive
– Gently remove the remaining adhesive from your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp cloth
– Rinse your mouth once more with warm water to remove any remaining adhesive
– Apply a small amount of denture adhesive to your dentures, if necessary.
The purpose of removing denture adhesive from your gums after each use help prevent gum irritation. It also assists in the maintenance of good oral health.
How long does it usually take to remove denture adhesive from gums?
The time required to remove denture adhesive from gums varies depending on a couple of factors. The amount of adhesive used and how long it has been on your gums will determine how long it will take to remove it. On average, it should take no more than just a few minutes to completely remove.
It is important to be patient and gentle when removing denture adhesive from your gums. Basically, all you need to do is rinse your mouth with warm water, then gently brush your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush or damp cloth. Rinse once more and you should be finished. If this does not work, you may need to repeat the process or use a denture adhesive remover. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Can I use dental floss or a toothbrush to remove denture adhesive from my gums?
You should not use dental floss or a regular toothbrush to remove denture adhesive from your gums. Neither are designed for the task and could cause bleeding, irritation, or possible damage to your gums. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp cloth to gently remove denture adhesive that is stuck to your gums. If these do not effectively remove the adhesive, you can try a denture adhesive remover, which can be found in most pharmacies or drugstores. Consult your dental professional if you encounter pain or discomfort at any time during the denture adhesive removal process.
How can I prevent denture adhesive from getting stuck to the roof of my mouth?
Although denture adhesives are designed to hold false teeth firmly on your gums, there are times when some of the adhesives can end up on the roof of your mouth. You can prevent this from happening by doing the following:
– Follow the instructions on the packaging of the denture adhesive and use it correctly. You should only have to apply a thin, even layer and should not apply it too close to the edges of your dentures.
– Ensure that your dentures are clean and dry before you apply any adhesive. If there are any food particles or moisture present, it can cause the denture adhesive to stick to the roof of your mouth.
– Do not use too much denture adhesive as it can ooze out and stick to your mouth. The instructions that come with the adhesive will list the recommended amount to use.
– Allow the adhesive to sit for a few minutes before putting your dentures in your mouth. This gives the adhesive time to set which will reduce the risk of it sticking to your mouth.
– If you still find denture adhesive sticking to the roof of your mouth, take a break from wearing your dentures. You can give your mouth a chance to rest and heal for a few hours daily.
If your denture adhesive continues to cause you issues after you have tried these tips, consult with your dental professional for advice.
How do I know if I am using too much denture adhesive?
When you are using too much denture adhesive, it will ooze out and stick to the roof of your mouth or gums. This will make it difficult and painful to wear your dentures. To know when you are using too much denture adhesive, watch for these signs:
– If the denture adhesive oozes out from under your dentures or around the edges, you could be using too much.
– If it is difficult to remove your dentures or if they feel like they are stuck in place.
– If you have a bad taste in your mouth.
– If your gums are sore or irritated.
If you have experienced any of these signs, try using a smaller amount of denture adhesive. You may have to experiment with different amounts until you find what works best for you and follow the direction that accompanies the packaging of the denture adhesive. If you continue to have issues, consult with your dental professional for further advice.
Should I consult my dentist or prosthodontist if I am having difficulty removing denture adhesive from my gums?
If you experience problems removing denture adhesive from your gums, it is a good idea to consult with your dental professional. They have the expertise and knowledge to best advise you on how to rectify the situation. They will examine your dentures and mouth to determine what course of action to follow and can provide you with tips that may make removing denture adhesive easier.
What should I do if I experience discomfort or pain while removing denture adhesive from my gums?
If you experience any kind of discomfort or pain while removing denture adhesive from your gums, it is important to stop what you are doing and take steps to reduce causing any further irritation or damage. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that:
– Rinse Your Mouth: Use a mixture of one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth. This will help to reduce the soreness.
– Brush: With a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your gums and tongue to remove any remaining adhesive.
– Apply a Cold Compress: If swelling or tenderness occurs, apply a cold compress to the area of irritation. This will help you reduce pain and swelling.
– Take Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help with combating pain. Take them as directed.
– Contact Your Dentist: If the discomfort or pain does not go away, contact your dental professional. They can give you an examination and treatment plan that should help.
It is important to remove all denture adhesive from your gums and mouth. By doing so, you reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
How can I prevent denture adhesive from getting stuck to the roof of my mouth?
Although denture adhesives are intended to hold false teeth firmly in place, sometimes they can stick to the roof of your mouth. Here are a few helpful tips to prevent this from happening to you:
– Follow the instructions on the packaging of the denture adhesive and apply the product correctly. Use a thin, even layer. Also, do not apply any of the adhesives too close to the edges of your dentures.
– Ensure that your dentures are clean and dry before applying denture adhesive.
– Use the correct amount of denture adhesive as recommended by the instructions contained in the packaging of the product. You may have to adjust the amount to prevent it from oozing out from under your dentures.
– Allow the adhesive a few minutes to set. This will reduce the risk of it oozing into your mouth.
– Give your mouth a break if you find that the adhesive continues to stick in your mouth. Remove your dentures for a few hours each day to rest your mouth.
In Conclusion
For denture wearers who use denture adhesives, you have one additional thing to do as part of your denture cleaning and maintenance program… That is to ensure that when you use a denture adhesive, it is important to remove all traces of it from your false teeth and your gums.
Fortunately, there are several denture adhesive removal methods you can use to do this and most of them involve the use of products that are readily available in your home. So if you are after the best way to remove denture adhesive from your gums, try the different methods outlined above and see what works best for you.
