Dentures should normally make a good seal against your gums. However, your jawbone changes with time, and your dentures can become loose. You can fix this problem by using denture adhesive. Simply put it inside your dentures to help secure them to your gums.
If you use denture adhesive, you need to know how to clean it off at the end of each day. Read ahead to learn how to remove it from your gums, dentures, teeth, and clothing.
How to Remove Denture Adhesive from Your Gums
Loosen the adhesive
The first step to removing denture adhesive from your gums is to loosen your dentures.
The adhesive contains a substance that absorbs saliva to prevent it from dissolving the glue. This substance is not as effective towards the end of the day. Therefore, your saliva might be enough to loosen your dentures. If this is the case, you will be able to remove them at night without any effort.
If your dentures do not easily come off, do not pull hard to remove them. It could hurt your gums and cause issues later. There are some things you can try to loosen the adhesive.
The first is to rinse your mouth with warm water. The water needs to be hot enough to loosen the adhesive, but be careful not to burn yourself. Test the water’s temperature before putting it in your mouth. Then, swirl it around for about a minute. You can repeat this several times until your dentures are loose enough.
The second way to loosen your dentures is to use mouthwash instead of water. It freshens up your breath, and the moisture helps loosen the adhesive. Swirl it around for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Be careful not to swallow any.
The third thing you can use is saline water. If you tried water unsuccessfully and mouthwash burns too much, give saltwater a go. Add half a tablespoon of salt into your glass of water and then mix until well combined. Use this mixture to rinse your mouth for a minute and loosen the adhesive. You can repeat it a few times.
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Remove your dentures carefully
Once you feel your dentures are loose, it is time to remove them. You can start with the lower denture, which usually comes off a little easier. Grab it and perform a side-to-side rocking motion to remove it. Once you feel the denture coming off your gum, gently take it out of your mouth.
There is often more suction holding the upper denture, which is why it can be harder to remove. First, try using your thumb and pushing your denture upward and outwardly.
If that does not work, place your two index fingers on each side of your denture and try to pull it. The goal is to let the air in between your denture and gum. It will break the suction, allowing you to take it off.
Remove the adhesive from your gums
There are a few ways to do this. First, rinse your mouth with salt water to remove the sticky adhesive. You can repeat it a couple of times to remove any residue.
If the salt water does not work, grab a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your gums. You can add some toothpaste if you wish.
Finally, you can use your fingertip or a washcloth to rub your gums in a circular motion. Then, rinse out your mouth, and no adhesive should be left on your gums.
Useful Tip
The suction holding your upper denture is often stronger at the back of your mouth. If you are struggling, try to go as far back as possible with your fingers to remove the dentures. It will help break the suction where it is the strongest, making it easier to remove your dentures. Talk to a specialist if you are regularly struggling to remove your dentures.
How to Remove Denture Adhesive from Dentures
You should wash your dentures every night for a few reasons. It prevents plaque accumulation, removes stains, and cleans the leftover adhesive. You need to remove the adhesive from your dentures to avoid bacteria buildup. To do so:
- Rinse your dentures under water.
- Use a denture brush or a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean your dentures.
- To help remove any adhesive, you can use water only, denture paste, or non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Soak your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution. Make sure to follow the directions on the cleanser’s label. You can also soak your dentures in water.
How to Remove Denture Adhesive from Teeth
Some people with partial dentures still decide to use denture adhesive. If you choose to do so, you might get some adhesive on your teeth. To remove it:
- Put some toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush. Run it under warm water for a few seconds.
- Gently brush your teeth to remove the adhesive.
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove any residues.
- You may also use a soft cloth.
How to Remove Denture Adhesive from Clothing
To remove adhesive from clothing, you should:
- Soak a paper towel in rubbing alcohol.
- Put the paper towel on the adhesive stain for thirty minutes.
- Remove the paper towel and rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- If you still see some adhesive, remove it using a dull knife.
- Put your piece of clothing in the wash. Do a regular cycle.
The Take-Home Message
How to remove denture adhesive:
First, loosen up your dentures using water, mouthwash, or saline water. Then, carefully remove your dentures to avoid injuring your gums. Finally, use a toothbrush, fingertip, or washcloth to remove the adhesive on your gums. Do not forget to rinse your mouth to remove any residues.
Sources
- Fixodent.co.uk
- How to Remove Dentures & Adhesives | MyDentureCare
- Technique for Denture Adhesive Removal – Dentalcare.com
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