There are various types of denture adhesive that you can get out there – either powders, gums or adhesive pads.
The purpose of denture adhesive is to keep your false teeth fixed firmly to your gums. But why should you look to remove this adhesive?
At first, dentures should not need to be secured with adhesive, as the natural shape of your gums should hold the dentures in place.
However, as the dentures remain in your mouth for longer and longer, the gums that they are covering will soon begin to shrink and the dentures will become wobbly.
To prevent this from happening, it’s best to use a denture adhesive on your new dentures.
It’s important to choose an adhesive that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients, such as formaldehyde, which could cause irritation to your gum tissue.
Here, we’ll be looking at when you should remove denture adhesive.
Denture Adhesive – Should I Ever Remove It?
When should you remove your denture adhesive? Well, if you have had your dentures fitted professionally then you should remove and clean off the adhesive within 24 hours of having them applied.
This is to give your gums time to rest and breathe.
You should try and remove your dentures before you go to sleep at night.
Often people have left them in a glass of water to clean them of all adhesive, but there are more thorough methods of cleaning your teeth.
You should always get rid of the old denture adhesive before applying a new layer in the morning. This is because dry adhesive can damage your teeth and gums.
What Happens If I Swallow Denture Adhesive?
If you swallow any of the powdery type denture adhesives, then it will pass through your digestive system without causing any problems.
However, if you swallow the sticky gel-type adhesives then these can block up your stomach and intestines.
You may also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
How Long Does Denture Adhesive Stay On My Teeth?
The length of time that denture adhesive stays on your teeth depends upon what kind of adhesive you’re using.
Some denture adhesives stay on for several days while others last only a few hours.
The most common type of denture adhesive is the powdery variety. These usually come in small packets containing a number of different sizes.
They are easy to apply and you just mix the powder into a solution of warm water to make a paste.
Once mixed, you brush the paste onto your dentures and leave them to dry.
Other types of denture adhesive include:
- Gel-based adhesive
- Liquid-based adhesive
- Gum based adhesive
There are many other types of dental adhesive available too – so do some research online to find out which one suits you best.
How Do I Clean My Dentures After Using Denture Adhesive?
To clean your dentures after using denture adhesive, simply soak them in warm water overnight. Then rinse thoroughly in the morning.
How Can I Remove Dental Adhesive?
Some denture adhesives can be removed by soaking them in hot water or boiling water. Others require you to boil them for around 10 minutes.
To remove the adhesive from your dentures, simply rub them together until the adhesive has been loosened.
Once you’ve done this, you need to carefully pull away the adhesive with tweezers. Don’t worry if you accidentally break a piece off – it won’t harm your gums.
Warm Water
Soak your dentures in warm water for about 20 minutes. The heat will help loosen the adhesive and allow you to gently wash it away.
Swill the water in your mouth and wait for the dentures to naturally slip away from your mouth.
Once you have done this, then rinse your teeth in warm water a few more times to loosen the adhesive even more.
Mouthwash
Another method of removing denture adhesive is to use a mouthwash. Simply swish the mouthwash around your mouth for a minute or two.
Then spit the mixture out. Rinse your mouth out again with warm water.
Saline
A final option is to use saline (salt) instead of plain water to clean your dentures. Use a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water.
Soak your dentures in this solution for 15 minutes. Then rinse your mouth out with warm water.
Toothbrush
You could also try brushing your teeth with a toothbrush. This should help you get rid of any remaining adhesive residue.
You should make sure that you do this gently so it doesn’t affect the composition of the adhesive.
What Happens If I Am Unable To Remove Dental Adhesive?
In rare cases, the adhesive may become stuck to your gums. If this happens, then you’ll need to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
He or she will be able to remove the adhesive safely and effectively.
Are There Any Alternatives For Ill-Fitting Dentures?
Yes! There are several alternatives available for people who suffer from ill-fitting dentures.
One example is a removable partial denture (RPD). RPDs are designed to fit over existing natural teeth.
They’re often used when there’s an issue with your current set of dentures.
If you’d like to learn more about RPDs, then check out our guide on how to choose the right RPD.
When Do I Know If I Need New Dentures?
There are a number of signs that you might need new dentures. These include:
- Your teeth feel loose or uncomfortable
- You experience pain while chewing food
- You notice gaps between your teeth
- You struggle to eat certain foods
You’ll have to consult with your dentist if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort from your dentures.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Dentures Replaced?
It depends on what type of dentures you currently wear. In some cases, it can take up to six months before they arrive at your home.
However, we recommend getting replacements sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
Dentures are a great way to improve your oral health. However, they can sometimes cause problems such as gum disease.
If you find yourself suffering from these conditions, then you should contact your dentist immediately.
We hope that our guide has helped you remove your denture adhesive.