If you have recently gotten dentures there are lots of new things you are getting used to.
The routine of removing and cleaning your dentures at the end of the day and remembering to put them in in the morning are probably the main ones.
You will have been introduced to a whole new world of products that make life with dentures easier, you might have even tried a few of them.
One problem you might have come across with your new dentures is the adhesive residue remaining on your gums after the removal of your dentures.
In this article, we will look at all the ways in which you can remove the annoying leftover adhesive from your gums quickly and easily.
Why Do I Need Adhesive?
There are many reasons why someone might want to use an adhesive with their dentures.
Sometimes dentures can become looser over time, this can be due to various reasons but most commonly it is due to weight loss, bone reabsorption, or general wear and tear.
Sometimes people simply feel more confident knowing that there is more than simply suction keeping their dentures in place.
Whatever the reason for a person choosing to use denture adhesive, there is a side effect that is not often talked about. Namely, residual adhesive stuck to your gums which is about as unpleasant as it sounds.
So, what can you do if you find yourself struggling with leftover adhesive on your gums at the end of the day? Read on to find out.
Warm Water
Possibly the simplest solution is to use warm water to dissolve the adhesive. Take a few sips of warm water from your faucet and swill it around your mouth.
Take extra care to focus the water on your gums. Spit the water and any loosened adhesive into the sink and repeat. This process might have to be repeated several times to completely remove the adhesive on your gums.
Saline Solution
For this method, you can either use saline solution purchased from a pharmacy or simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Swill the solution around your gums for a couple of minutes to help loosen the leftover adhesive.
As a plus for this method, the saltwater can effectively clean and help heal any minor mouth irritations such as small lesions and ulcers, great for those who are prone to gum irritations.
Mouthwash
Similar to the saline solution method, mouthwash can be used to simultaneously break down and remove denture adhesive residue and clean your mouth in one go.
This one might be better reserved for days where there is an excess of adhesive residue to remove due to the strength of modern mouthwashes and the risk of gum irritation for some users.
If you are keen to use mouthwash to remove the residue and the aftertaste of adhesive it can be diluted with warm water to reduce the risk of irritation.
Toothbrush
This method is effective in removing denture adhesive residue and helping to maintain good oral hygiene.
Take a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste and gently brush your gums to loosen and remove the adhesive residue. Children’s toothbrushes are particularly good for those with more sensitive gums.
Clean Washcloth
A slightly more unusual method of removing denture adhesive from your gums is with a clean washcloth. Find a clean washcloth and dip it in warm water.
Using your finger, gently massage the washcloth over your gums, paying careful attention not to press or rub too hard.
Periodically rinse the washcloth with clean water and swill your mouth to remove the loosened residue. Continue until all adhesive residue has been removed.
Avoiding Adhesive Residue
If you find that you have a lot of unpleasant adhesive residue on your gums regularly, there could be an issue with your adhesive or your dentures themselves.
Make sure that you are only using the amount of adhesive required to secure your dentures in place, it should not be spilling over the edges of your dentures when you put them in.
It is also important to find the right adhesive that works best for you. There are many options out there and it can be a case of trial and error to find the product that works, you can talk to your denture specialist about this if you are unsure where to start.
Similarly, if you find that your dentures will not stay in place without an adhesive, even when you are just talking, it could be that they need to be remolded due to bone reabsorption or wear and tear.
Remember that dentures should be able to stay in place using suction, if you feel that your dentures are not fitting you properly, talk to your denture specialist about it and see if they can be resized.
Final Thoughts
There are many methods of removing denture adhesive from your gums that are easy, low cost, and involve items you probably already have at home.
It is also important to remember that denture adhesive is specifically designed to be used orally and is often designed to slowly dissolve with saliva.
This means that occasionally you may swallow some adhesive, this is not a cause for concern as the adhesive is designed to travel through the digestive tract as undigested material.
All of the methods mentioned above can also be used if you are struggling to remove your dentures from your gums due to a too strong adhesive.
Having denture adhesive residue on your gums is an unpleasant experience, but we hope these methods can help reduce the discomfort it can bring.