Dentures are typically made from acrylic resin, making them susceptible to damage from sticky substances like chewing gum. When gum adheres to the surface, it must be removed carefully to prevent warping, scratching, or structural harm to the appliance. The polymers and clasps that make up the denture require specific, gentle techniques to ensure the gum is removed without compromising the device’s integrity.
Step-by-Step Gum Removal Methods
Before attempting removal, gently peel or flick off as much loose gum as possible using only your fingers.
Cold Method
The cold method hardens the gum, allowing it to be carefully chipped away. Place the denture in a container of ice water for a few minutes until the gum is completely firm. Once chilled, use a fingernail or the blunt edge of a plastic tool to gently lift the hardened mass from the surface. Avoid placing the denture directly into a freezer, as extreme cold can cause the acrylic material to become brittle, potentially leading to cracks or chipping.
Solvent Method
Alternatively, you can use a solvent-based method to dissolve the gum’s tackiness. Rubbing a small amount of vegetable oil or mineral oil onto the residue helps break the molecular bonds that cause stickiness. The oils lubricate the gum, making it less adhesive to the denture material. Apply the oil only to the affected area using a soft cloth or cotton swab, then gently rub the residue until it begins to release. For more stubborn remnants, a brief soak in a solution of warm, distilled white vinegar may help dissolve the final sticky layer.
Mandatory Cleaning After Removal
Once the gum is dislodged, a thorough cleaning routine is necessary to remove all residue from the gum and the removal agents. Lingering traces of oil or vinegar can harbor bacteria or affect the fit and feel of the denture. First, rinse the appliance under cool, running water to clear away any loose particles.
The next step involves a deep clean using a specialized denture cleanser, often effervescent soaking tablets. These tablets create a solution that helps disinfect the denture and break down microscopic plaque and leftover adhesive. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for soaking time to ensure maximum sanitation without damaging the materials.
After soaking, gently brush all surfaces of the denture using a soft-bristled denture brush. This brush is designed to clean the contours of the appliance without causing abrasive damage. Focus on brushing the tooth surfaces, the base material, and the areas that sit against the gums to remove any remaining biofilm. Rinsing the denture thoroughly after brushing and soaking is necessary, as residual cleaning chemicals can be harmful if ingested.
Prohibited Cleaning Methods
Placing dentures in boiling water or exposing them to high heat is discouraged because the acrylic resin material is thermoplastic. High temperatures can cause the material to soften and warp, permanently changing the denture’s shape and affecting its fit.
Abrasive materials should never be used, as they create microscopic scratches in the denture surface. These materials include stiff-bristled brushes, harsh scrubbing pads, and regular toothpaste, which contains abrasive particles meant for natural tooth enamel. The resulting scratches can become breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, leading to odor, plaque buildup, and oral infections.
Household bleach and other strong chemical cleansers must be kept away from dentures. Bleach-containing products can weaken the integrity of the acrylic and cause discoloration over time. Furthermore, if the denture has metal components, such as clasps in a partial denture, chlorine-based solutions can tarnish and corrode the metal.