Dental adhesive is a paste, powder, or sheet that serves to glue dentures in the mouth. It's important to learn how to clean the adhesive and keep your gums clean every time you finish using the adhesive.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Loosening Dentures
Step 1. Allow the adhesive to loosen naturally
Denture adhesive will fall off naturally when exposed to water and moisture. Because of this, most dental adhesives contain substances that can absorb saliva to prevent moisture from building up in the mouth to prevent the adhesive from loosening. This substance will continue to work throughout the day, but will eventually lose its power to absorb saliva. If this happens, the adhesive will naturally loosen on its own. You should be able to remove your dentures easily because there is no more adhesive sticking to your gums. All that's left is a little bit of adhesive on the dentures (which can be cleaned later).
Step 2. Loosen the adhesive again using water
If the adhesive does not loosen on its own after a day of use, rinse your mouth with warm water. Before putting warm water in your mouth, make sure it is comfortable in your mouth and not too hot.
- Gargle with warm water for about 30-60 seconds. The longer you rinse your mouth, the more the adhesive that sticks to the surface of the gums will loosen.
- One minute later, spit the water into the sink.
- Repeat this process several times until most of the adhesive is gone.
Step 3. Try using a mouthwash
In addition to water, you can use mouthwash, such as Listerine. The moisture in the mouthwash can loosen the adhesive, while also providing fresh breath.
You can also make a saline solution by mixing salt and water to wash your mouth before removing the dentures. Add about tbsp. salt into a cup of water and stir for 2 minutes or until the salt is completely dissolved
Part 2 of 3: Removing Dentures and Cleaning Gums
Step 1. Learn how to remove dentures effectively
First, remove the lower dentures by clamping them with your thumbs and fingers, then gently wiggling them to the side. Lower dentures will come off easily without you having to strain.
- Removing upper dentures may be a bit difficult. Use your thumb to press the front denture up and out, in line with the nose.
- You can also pull it by sticking your index finger on the side. If you can loosen the dentures so that they come off the soft mucosa, they will come off easily. The place where the top teeth are attached is at the back of the denture which is adjacent to the soft palate. So, when you take it off, try to put your finger in as far as possible.
- If you have trouble removing your dentures, go to a dentist's office for instructions and advice. A dental assistant may be able to assist you, or the receptionist may be able to advise you on how to improve your denture removal technique and help you remove it.
Step 2. Clean the gums with a washcloth after you remove the dentures
If there is still adhesive stuck to your gums after removing your dentures, you can easily remove them with a warm washcloth. Wet a washcloth, then rub it over the gums gently in a circular motion to remove any remaining adhesive.
Step 3. Try using a toothbrush
Alternatively, use a toothbrush to remove any adhesive remaining on the gums. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush, then gently rub the brush against the gums.
- This aims to clean the remnants of adhesive and promote optimal gum health.
- As part of good oral hygiene, you should clean and brush your gums every day.
Step 4. Use your fingertips
After the dentures have been removed, instead of using a toothbrush or washcloth, use your fingertips to massage the roof of your mouth and the surface of the gums used to support the dentures. Do this in a firm, circular motion to remove the adhesive from the gums. Wash your mouth, and if necessary, massage the gums a few more times to completely remove the adhesive.
- By massaging the gums, blood circulation to the gums will increase so that the gums will stay healthy.
- Be careful not to hurt the gums because the nails are scratched. If you have long nails, we recommend using another method.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Dentures
Step 1. Use a denture adhesive cream
To apply a denture adhesive cream, it is usually recommended that you apply 3-4 small circles of cream (about the size of a pencil eraser) on the upper and lower dentures before placing them in your mouth. Do not use more than this amount of adhesive so you can easily remove your dentures later. If the cream drips off the dentures after they've been placed, you've used too much cream.
Step 2. Try using an adhesive in powder form
Another option is to use an adhesive in powder form. Sprinkle a little powder on the upper and lower dentures before you put them in your mouth, and shake the dentures to spread the powder. Use the same amount of powder as powdered sugar sprinkled on top of the cake.
Step 3. Be careful when using dental adhesive
You will not get any additional benefit when you use more than the recommended amount of adhesive. Using more adhesive doesn't make the teeth stick together. So, follow the directions on the product packaging or the dentist's guide. Also, don't use dental adhesive more than once a day. Finally, adhesives should not be used to treat ill-fitting dentures. If your dentures don't feel right in your mouth, go to the dentist as soon as possible. If you no longer have teeth, the jawbone will erode over time. This makes the dentures ill-fitting in the mouth due to reduced support from the jawbone.
Warning
- Do not apply too much pressure to the brush or fingertips as this can irritate and damage the gums.
- Never remove the adhesive with a sharp object as this can damage the gums.
- Do not use adhesives containing zinc for long periods of time. Excessive and continuous use of zinc can cause serious health problems.
