How to Remove Adhesive from Dentures: A Guide to Cleaning

Introduction

Adhesive is an essential part of keeping dentures secure and comfortable. However, leftover adhesive can build up on dentures, leaving unsightly white gunk and causing irritation. Removing this adhesive residue promptly and thoroughly is key to maintaining your dentures.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the best methods and products for removing adhesive from dentures. We’ll go over standard cleaning practices as well as remedies for tackling stubborn adhesive that won’t budge.

Read on to learn how to remove adhesive from dentures and keep them looking and feeling great.

Use a Denture-Cleansing Solution

The most common and effective method for removing adhesive from dentures is using a specialized denture-cleaning solution. These solutions work to break down and dissolve dried adhesive.

Chemical Composition

Most denture cleansers contain an effervescent alkaline peroxide component. When dissolved in water, the solution bubbles and fizzes, helping lift and dissolve debris from the denture surface. The alkaline chemicals break down proteins and oils, allowing stuck-on adhesive to be wiped away.

Soaking Overnight

For best results, dentures should be soaked overnight in a dilute denture cleanser solution. This allows time for the chemicals to completely dissolve all traces of adhesive.

Follow the package instructions for proper dilution with cool or lukewarm water. Use a dedicated denture bath or bowl large enough to fully submerge the dentures.

In the morning, remove the dentures and gently brush away any remaining residue using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.

Quick Cleans

When you don't have time for an overnight soak, a quick 15-30 minute soak in a strongly concentrated solution can help remove most adhesive. Agitate the solution a few times to dislodge debris.

While quick cleans may get rid of most adhesive, an extended soak is needed to fully cleanse dentures and prevent buildup.

Brush With a Denture Brush

A denture brush can help scrub away adhesive residue after soaking. Look for a soft or ultrasoft brush specifically sized for dentures.

Nylon Bristles

Nylon bristles are durable yet gentle on the denture surface. Avoid hard toothbrushes, as these can scratch and damage the acrylic.

Angled Head

Look for a brush with an angled or U-shaped head. This allows you to easily access all surfaces of the denture when brushing.

Dentifrice Use

Use a plain soft toothpaste without whitening agents when brushing dentures. Avoid toothpastes with peroxide, which can gradually bleach and weaken denture materials over time.

If needed, gently scrub any stained or discolored spots after soaking and rinsing away adhesive.

Thorough Brushing

Carefully brush all denture surfaces, including the teeth, gums, and palate area. Pay extra attention to crevices and hard-to-reach spots where adhesive can linger.

Rinse thoroughly after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste.

Try an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency waves to create bubbles and vibrations in water. This agitation helps dislodge contaminants like adhesive residue.

Faster Than Soaking

A 5-minute cycle in an ultrasonic cleaner can rival a 30-minute soak. The waves permeate intricate denture surfaces, including microscopic pores and cracks.

Adds to Brushing

You can use an ultrasonic cleaner along with manual brushing for the ultimate denture cleaning. The ultrasonic waves loosen debris so it can be more easily scrubbed away.

Solution Options

Use cool water and a small amount of mild detergent in the ultrasonic unit. Alternately, you can use a diluted denture cleanser solution.

Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide, mouthwash, hand soap, dish soap, and other harsh chemicals that could damage dentures.

Try a Denture Paste

Specialized pastes help remove stubborn adhesive residue that other methods can’t tackle. They tend to be more abrasive than standard toothpaste.

Micro-Polishing Agents

Look for a paste containing baking soda, calcium carbonate, silica, or other mild abrasives that help scrub away gunk.

Chemical Cleansers

Some pastes also contain chemical cleaners like alkaline peroxides to help break down adhesive bonds.

Rub Gently

Apply a small amount of paste and gently rub onto affected areas using a soft denture brush or finger. Avoid aggressive scrubbing to prevent damaging the denture surface.

Rinse thoroughly when done.

Use Denture Tablets

Denture tablets provide an easy, portable way to clean your dentures. These convenient tabs harness the cleaning power of sodium percarbonate.

Active Ingredients

When dissolved, the sodium percarbonate releases oxygen bubbles and forms mild bleach and soap compounds. These lift adhesive away safely and effectively.

On-the-Go Cleaning

Denture tablets are ideal for travel, letting you freshen dentures away from home. Just add a tablet to water and soak for 15-30 minutes.

Soak Overnight

For optimal adhesive removal and disinfection, use tablets as part of an overnight soak. You can also combine with ultrasonic cleaning.

Avoid overusing tablets, as they can gradually bleach and distort dentures with extended use.

Try Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is an all-natural cleaning option for getting rid of denture adhesive. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve sticky residue.

Mild Acid

Vinegar is mildly acidic with a pH around 2.5, helping break down basic adhesive compounds.

Soak Dentures

Soak dentures for 30-60 minutes in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. For tougher adhesive, increase vinegar concentration.

Rinse Thoroughly

After soaking in vinegar, carefully rinse dentures under running water. Vinegar can erode denture materials if left on too long.

Avoid prolonged or frequent vinegar soaks, which can damage dentures.

Use Dish Soap

Common dish soaps, like Dawn and Palmolive, can help remove denture adhesive in a pinch. The surfactants help dissolve and lift away grime.

Manual Cleaning

Apply a small dab of dish soap directly to the adhesive residue. Let sit briefly to penetrate gunk. Then scrub with a soft denture brush before rinsing.

Soak Overnight

For set-in adhesive, place a few drops of dish soap into cool water. Soak dentures overnight to fully dissolve residue.

Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure to rinse very thoroughly, as leftover soap can cause oral irritation and damage dentures.

Use dish soap sparingly, as frequent use can weaken denture materials.

Remove Adhesive with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is sometimes recommended as a natural denture adhesive remover. It helps loosen adhesive bonds through its fatty acids and emulsifying properties.

Applying Oil

Rub a small amount of solid or liquid coconut oil directly onto sticky adhesive deposits. Let it penetrate for 5-10 minutes.

Wipe Away

After letting it soak in, use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe away the adhesive. The oil helps release the adhesive from the denture surface.

Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure to rinse dentures well after using coconut oil to prevent residue. Avoid using coconut oil too frequently, as it can degrade dentures.

Remove Adhesive with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for cleaning dentures. Its mild abrasive properties help displace adhesive.

Make a Paste

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply this paste to adhesive residue.

Let Sit

Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the gunk. The baking soda will cause fizzing to help break adhesive bonds.

Scrub and Rinse

After letting it sit, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove the paste and adhesive. Rinse dentures thoroughly when done.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as baking soda can damage dentures with excessive use.

Scrape Away Adhesive

If adhesive won’t budge with soaking and scrubbing, try gently scraping it away. This is a last resort for removing stubborn deposits.

Use a Soft Plastic

Avoid metal scrapers or picks, which can scratch or puncture dentures. Opt for a plastic dental tool or soft edge of a credit card.

Scrape Lightly

Carefully scrape stuck-on adhesive, applying light pressure. Repeat soaking or applying oil if needed to help loosen the bond.

Avoid Damage

Be extremely cautious when scraping, as it's easy to permanently damage the denture surface. See your dentist promptly if adhesive won’t come off.

Protect Against Adhesive Buildup

While adhesive removers can tackle residue after the fact, there are also ways to prevent excessive buildup in the first place.

Apply Thinly

Adhere to the “less is more” rule, using a thin uniform layer of adhesive. Too much can ooze over denture borders and won’t come off easily.

Trim Excess

After applying adhesive, carefully press dentures into place. Then use a finger to wipe away any adhesive squeezed out around the edges.

Rinse After Eating

Prevent food particles from getting trapped under adhesive by rinsing dentures after each meal.

Nightly Cleansing

Remove and thoroughly cleanse dentures nightly. This prevents adhesive residue and bacteria accumulation.

Visit Your Denturist

See your denturist regularly to adjust loose dentures and reline as needed. Properly fitted dentures require less adhesive.

When to Seek Denturist Help

While home care can remove most adhesive buildup, seek help promptly if you experience:

• Severe irritation or infection under dentures
• Permanent stains or pitting from adhesive
• Loose, ill-fitting dentures requiring excessive adhesive
• Chipped or cracked dentures
• Recent changes in dental/oral health

Schedule regular appointments for professional denture cleaning and assessment. Report any oral health changes or denture issues.

Signs You Need New Dentures

If your dentures are less than 5 years old but need frequent adhesive, it may be time to consider new ones. Other signs you may need replacement dentures include:

• Loose fit requiring denture adhesives
• Rubbing, chafing, or sores on gums
• Cracked, bent, or broken areas
• Worn or broken teeth
• Permanent stains or odors
• Difficulty chewing or speaking

Schedule a consultation with your denturist to evaluate if you need new dentures fitted and made.

Caring for Dentures

To keep dentures functioning their best:

• Remove and thoroughly clean dentures daily
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage acrylics
• Handle dentures carefully to prevent cracking or chipping
• Visit your denturist regularly for adjustment and relining
• Store dentures moistened in water when not worn
• Avoid heating dentures or soaking in hot water

When to Avoid Denture Adhesives

Do not use denture adhesives if you have:

• An allergy or sensitivity to adhesive ingredients
• Infections or sores under the dentures
• Pain, swelling, or bleeding of the gums
• Loose dentures requiring adjustment
• Difficulty swallowing with dentures in place

Talk to your dentist or denturist before applying adhesives if you have any conditions involving the mouth, gums, or teeth.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor or dentist immediately if you experience:

• Bleeding, swelling, sores, or pain in the mouth
• Red, inflamed, or irritated gums
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Significant weight loss or lack of nutrition
• Loose dentures rubbing or damaging oral tissue

Prompt medical attention is needed to treat any infections or other issues related to ill-fitting or improper denture use.

Outlook for Denture Care

With proper daily cleaning and periodic denturist visits, dentures can remain functional for years. Taking good care of your dentures and addressing any oral health changes early is key.

Knowing how to effectively remove adhesive residue keeps dentures clean and comfortable. But preventing buildup through conscientious adhesive use is ideal.

Speak with your dentist or denturist if you have any difficulties keeping your dentures fresh, clean, and residue-free.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.