Tips for Removing Stuck Lower Dentures

It can be frustrating when lower dentures become stuck in place. Whether they feel tightly suctioned to gums or they're just difficult to grasp and remove, several home remedies and denture-removal tips can help get those lower dentures unstuck.

Why Do Lower Dentures Get Stuck?

There are a few reasons why lower dentures can become firmly stuck in the mouth:

Strong suction between the dentures and gums
Food debris trapped under dentures
Swollen gums
Improperly fitted dentures

Home Remedies for Loosening Stuck Lower Dentures

Several simple home remedies can help loosen stubborn lower dentures for easier removal. Useful solutions include:

Use denture adhesive remover

Denture adhesive remover breaks up denture paste or cream between your gums and dentures. Simply apply it under your lower dentures as directed, wait 30 seconds to 1 minute, then work the dentures off your gums.

Try warm salt water

Gargle with warm salt water to help loosen suction. Simply stir a teaspoon of salt into a cup of hot water until dissolved. Swish and gargle the warm salty water in your mouth for a minute before attempting to remove lower dentures.

Use effervescent tablets

Drop a denture cleaning effervescent tablet into warm water, then soak your dentures for 5-10 minutes. The bubbles from the tablet help break suction seal. Try moving lower dentures while soaking to fully loosen them.

Employ wood tools

Slide a thumb tack lifter, denture removal tool, or wooden toothpick between lower dentures and gums to gently break suction. Carefully move the tool side-to-side several times along denture edges before pulling down dentures.

Tips to Remove Stubborn Lower Dentures

If simple home remedies dont provide enough loosening for stuck lower dentures, several removal tips can help:

Position removal tool properly

Place a denture removal tool at the back corners of lower dentures and press carefully inward and outward to break seal.

Use proper denture technique

Rather than pulling dentures straight down when trying to remove them, clasp hands together behind lower teeth and gently rock dentures outward to break suction seal.

Lubricate denture edges

Try coating stubborn lower denture edges with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or olive oil to help them slide off gums more easily.

See your dentist promptly

If you experience extreme pain, bleeding, swelling, or other issues when trying to remove stuck lower dentures, contact your dentist promptly. Leaving them in too long risks oral health complications.

Preventing Stuck Lower Dentures

Practicing good denture care and following dentist recommendations can reduce the chances of lower dentures getting painfully stuck on gums.

Have Regular Denture Adjustments

See your dentist every six months after getting new lower dentures and once a year after that for adjustments to ensure proper ongoing fit.

Clean Dentures and Mouth Daily

Thoroughly brushing lower dentures and gums morning and night prevents potential irritation, infection, and debris buildup under them during wear.

Rinse After Eating

Carefully swish warm water around your mouth after eating to help dislodge food particles before they get trapped under lower dentures.

Remove Dentures for Sleeping

Take lower dentures out for at least 6-8 resting hours daily to give your gums a break and ensure the mouth stays healthy.

Avoid Irritating Foods

Skip hard, crunchy, chewy, sticky, crumbly foods that could get caught under lower dentures and make them harder to remove.

When to See Your Dentist

Schedule a dental appointment promptly if you regularly struggle removing your lower dentures. Other reasons to consult a dentist include:

Extreme pain or discomfort putting dentures in or taking them out
Bleeding, swelling, sores, or irritation under lower dentures
New gaps around lower dentures while wearing them
Noticed changes in fit or comfort of lower dentures over time
Significant diet or mouth changes like weight loss or new medications

Seeing your dentist regularly can ensure your lower dentures continue fitting comfortably without getting painfully stuck.

FAQs

What causes lower dentures to get stuck?

Reasons for stuck lower dentures include strong suction to gums, trapped food debris, swollen gums, or improper fit. As gums naturally shrink over time, dentures may become loose in some spots and tight in others.

What home remedies can help loosen stuck dentures?

Useful home remedies for loosening stuck lower dentures include denture adhesive remover, warm salt water, effervescent soaking tablets, and wood tools like denture lifters slid between the dentures and gums.

When should I call my dentist about stuck dentures?

Contact your dentist promptly if you experience bleeding, severe pain, swelling, sores, or other issues getting dentures out. Leaving them stuck in place too long risks oral health problems.

How can I prevent my lower dentures from getting stuck?

Practice good daily denture cleaning habits, regular dental adjustments, rinsing after meals, nightly removal, and avoiding sticky foods. Seeing your dentist every 6-12 months can ensure proper fit over time.

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.