Denture glue, also called denture adhesive, is a convenient and temporary fix to secure dentures firmly in your mouth. Denture glue comes in different forms like paste, powders, and adhesive pads. By its very nature, denture glue can be difficult to remove. Seasoned denture wearers have their preferred methods of glue removal, but it appears there's no one way that is suitable for all. As the saying goes, there are many ways to skin a cat (or secure a wobbly denture). The following paragraphs offer some tips for dealing with this sometimes ‘sticky’ problem.
Why do you need denture glue or adhesive?
Some denture wearers use denture glue because they like the confidence knowing their dentures will not budge. However, if your dentures are ill-fitting, poorly made, or old and in need of a reline or replacement, it’s also likely you have resorted to using denture adhesive to keep your dentures fixed firmly in your mouth. As a consequence, you have undoubtedly been faced with the sticky problem of trying to release the bond it creates between your denture and gums and get rid of any residue.
How to remove dentures after using adhesive
To break this bond, firstly, swish warm water around your mouth to help soften the glue. Use a fingertip under each side of the denture to prise it free with a rocking motion. Pop the dentures in to soak while you clean your mouth and gums of any residual adhesive. Some denture-care manufacturers make a daily cleanser especially for soaking and cleaning dentures.
Cleaning your mouth and gums of denture glue
The irony is, if the glue has done its job, it will leave residue on your gums and denture which can be difficult to remove. Some denture wearers find a soft brush with a little toothpaste rubbed over gums and the palate followed by a warm water rinse, is effective. Others swear by mouthwash or warm salty water which loosens the glue and refreshes your mouth at the same time. For others, the glue will naturally loosen over the course of the day and be easily removed at night.
Cleaning your denture of denture adhesive
As annoying as residual denture glue on your denture is, it’s important not to damage your denture while attempting to remove it. If you are new to dentures, be reassured you will eventually find a routine to suit you. Some wearers find a soft brush with warm water is the answer. Steer clear of using tooth paste on the delicate surface of your denture however as it is abrasive and will eventually cause tiny fissures and cracks which can harbour harmful bacteria, not to mention shorten the life of your denture. The Denture Support Australia Facebook forum has a wealth of advice from denture wearers who have discovered inventive ways to remove denture adhesive from your mouth and dentures. One especially successful method involves using a damp exfoliating glove to rub the glue off dentures under warm running water. The same glove can be useful for removing residual glue in your mouth. Alternatively, a rough face cloth rinsed in warm water can also be used by gently rubbing over gums and palate. Finally, reviewing the amount of glue you are using can help. Using more glue than is recommended or even necessary, will cause the surplus to ooze out into your mouth, not achieving better grip nor serving any purpose other than being a nuisance to remove.
Why do I have to remove residual denture glue anyway?
So why is it important to remove all the glue? After all, you must reapply more in the morning – right? Oral health professionals recommend removing your dentures for 6 – 8 hours in every 24 hours to rest your oral tissues and gums. Denture adhesive left on your gums at the end of the day prevents this. Moreover, any remaining denture glue left on your dentures inhibits fresh adhesive applied the next day from creating a watertight seal which is needed to secure the denture firmly in place.
Consider why you need denture glue
Reasons why you might resort to denture glue include not feeling confident your new dentures will remain in place when you’re speaking, laughing, or eating. In this case, denture glue may give you that little extra reassurance until you gain confidence. Ill-fitting or old dentures can be unstable, so denture glue provides a temporary fix to keep them secure until you can see your prosthetist for a reline or replacement.
In conclusion
Denture glue by its very name is a sticky issue. Effective for holding dentures in place, denture glue is annoying when it continues its sticky business beyond its purpose. Finding the right method for successfully removing it can take perseverance but those who’ve gone before you, the seasoned denture adhesive users, are generous with their advice. Denture adhesive is meant as a temporary measure to secure your denture. Seek advice from your prosthetist if you are using it on a permanent basis.
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is located in the heart of Tweed Heads, southern Gold Coast. Finally have the smile you deserve with handcrafted, quality dentures.
