Why Is Denture Adhesive Sticking to Your Gums?

The adhesive you use on your dentures may be effective; however, it may be giving you a problem. When you take your dentures out, it feels like a lot of the adhesive is still in your mouth. It may stick to your gums and palate. 

Why is this happening and what can you do about it?

You're Applying Too Much Adhesive

If you use a lot of adhesive on your dentures, then it might not work right. For example, adhesive usually wears off and dissolves naturally after a few hours.

If you use too much, excess adhesive may be left in your mouth. This then sticks on your gums when you take your dentures out. You can often tell if you're being a little heavy-handed. Excess adhesive may seep out around the edges of your teeth or out of the back of your plates.

You're Applying Adhesive Too Often

If you have to apply denture adhesive multiple times a day, then the adhesive may build up around your gums and teeth. Each time you take your dentures out, you may leave a little adhesive behind. 

By the time you get to the end of the day, you may have many bits of adhesive stuck in various parts of your mouth. Adding new adhesive on top of old adhesive can leave you with a sticky mess.

How to Deal With Residual Adhesive

Every time you take your teeth out after using adhesive, clean your mouth. For example, rinsing your mouth with warm water will loosen and wash away at least some of the stuck bits. 

To get rid of any remaining adhesive, use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your gums, the roof of your mouth and your lower palate if necessary. Brushing should get rid of any stubborn bits that are left behind.

How to Prevent Adhesive Sticking to Your Mouth

Reducing the amount of adhesive you use may help keep it from staying in your mouth. Alternatively, consider switching to a different type of adhesive.

For example, sticky denture strips may be a better option. These strips typically come off easily when you remove your false teeth, making it less likely that you'll have residue issues.

If you find that you have to use a lot more adhesive now or that you need to apply it more often than you used to, then you may have lost some denture fit. Your gums or even your facial shape may have changed since your teeth were made. This may make them looser. 

If you think this could be a problem, ask your dentist to check your dentures. Your dentist may add a new lining to the denture plates to make them fit better without needing adhesive help. Reach out to a dental clinic to learn more.