Taking out dentures for the first time can feel intimidating. The initial removal may seem difficult because your gums and mouth are still adjusting to the prosthetic device, and the natural suction or adhesive may be quite strong. This guide provides clear, gentle instructions to help you safely and successfully remove your dentures. Learning the correct technique for removal and aftercare is important for protecting the prosthetic and maintaining the health of your oral tissues.
Preparing for the First Removal
Before you attempt to remove the device, it is helpful to gather your supplies and prepare your immediate environment. You should work over a sink filled partially with cool water or a soft, folded towel placed on the counter; this prevents damage if the dentures accidentally slip from your grasp and fall. Ensure your hands are thoroughly washed with soap and water to maintain hygiene.
If you use a denture adhesive, a critical first step is to loosen its hold by rinsing your mouth with warm water or a mild saline solution. Swish the liquid gently but thoroughly around your mouth for about a minute, which helps to break the seal and soften the adhesive residue. Avoid using hot water, as excessively high temperatures can irritate your sensitive gum tissues and may risk warping the denture material over time.
The Step-by-Step Removal Technique
Once the adhesive has been softened, you can proceed with the physical removal, focusing on a gentle technique to break the seal rather than pulling forcefully.
Upper Denture Removal
For the upper denture, begin by placing your thumb against the front of your teeth and your index finger on the roof of your mouth, or use your index fingers between the cheek and the gumline. Apply gentle downward and forward pressure to break the suction, often near the edges where the denture meets the gums. A slight rocking or wiggling motion from side to side can help further loosen the device from the palatal vault and alveolar ridge.
Lower Denture Removal
The lower denture typically requires a different approach since it relies less on suction. Place your thumbs and index fingers on either side of the denture base, gripping it with even pressure. Gently rock the lower device side to side while simultaneously lifting it slightly.
In both cases, once the seal is broken and the denture feels loose, lift it out of your mouth, starting from the back and moving toward the front. It is important to use only your fingers for this process, avoiding sharp objects or fingernails that could damage the prosthetic or injure your gums. If the denture feels firmly stuck, do not force it, but instead repeat the warm water rinse to further dissolve the adhesive and relax your jaw muscles. Patience is paramount during this first attempt.
Immediate Mouth and Denture Rinse
The moment the denture is successfully removed, you need to address both the prosthetic and your mouth tissues. Immediately rinse your mouth with clean, warm water or a mild saline solution, swishing it around to cleanse the gums, palate, and tongue. This action helps to soothe the tissues and remove any residual adhesive or food particles.
Concurrently, hold the prosthetic under cool running water to rinse off any large pieces of food debris or loosened adhesive. Using cool or lukewarm water is necessary because exposing the denture to hot water can potentially cause the acrylic material to warp, compromising the fit. This initial rinse is designed to prevent the adhesive from drying and hardening onto the denture surface before the deeper cleaning process begins.
Essential Cleaning and Overnight Storage
After the initial rinse, the dentures require a thorough cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque, and any remaining adhesive residue. Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, not regular toothpaste. The abrasive particles in standard toothpaste can scratch the acrylic surface. Gently scrub all surfaces of the prosthetic, paying particular attention to the inner grooves that rest against the gums where adhesive often accumulates.
Overnight storage is a necessary part of denture maintenance, as the acrylic material must be kept moist to prevent it from drying out and changing shape. Place the cleaned dentures in a dedicated container filled with plain water or a specialized denture-soaking solution. Soaking in a solution can help eliminate pathogens and further reduce odor-causing bacteria. Always ensure the dentures are fully submerged to maintain their structural integrity.