Chewing gum presents a distinct challenge for individuals wearing prosthetic dental devices, such as full or partial dentures. The enjoyment of a fresh chew can quickly turn into a frustrating, sticky predicament because the composition of most commercial gums is incompatible with the materials used in dental prosthetics. Understanding this interaction and adopting specific alternatives and techniques allows denture wearers to safely enjoy chewing gum.
Why Traditional Gum Poses a Risk
The primary reason conventional chewing gum adheres to dentures is the synthetic polymer base it contains. This gum base is formulated with ingredients like polyisobutylene and butyl rubber, which are highly adhesive and elastic. When warmed by the mouth’s temperature, this sticky polymer softens and readily bonds with the acrylic material (polymethyl methacrylate) that forms the majority of denture bases.
Dentures can develop microscopic scratches and pores over time, creating additional gripping points for the polymer base. Sugar content in traditional gum also exacerbates stickiness, leaving a residue that adheres to the prosthetic and attracts bacteria. This combination of an adhesive base and a textured acrylic surface creates a mechanical bond that is difficult to break.
Recommended Gum Alternatives for Denture Wearers
To avoid adhesion, denture wearers should seek gums with specialized non-stick formulations. These products use modified gum bases incorporating softer polymers and specific plasticizers designed to release cleanly from dental materials. This provides a satisfying chew without forming the strong molecular bonds that cause traditional gum to stick.
Look for gums explicitly marketed as “denture-friendly” or “non-stick.” Many of these alternatives are sugar-free and often sweetened with sugar alcohols like Xylitol or Sorbitol. Xylitol is particularly beneficial because it stimulates saliva flow, which aids in cleansing the mouth and reduces bacterial buildup.
A natural alternative is gum made from true chicle, the traditional base derived from the sapodilla tree. Chicle-based gums exhibit superior release properties, as their elasticity allows them to detach more easily from acrylic surfaces than synthetic bases. Selecting a soft-textured gum is also recommended, as a softer consistency is less likely to press firmly into the small crevices of the denture.
Proper Chewing Techniques
Even when using specialized non-stick gum, adopting correct chewing behavior is important to prevent problems. Denture wearers should chew slowly and deliberately to maintain control over the gum bolus. This controlled pace prevents the gum from becoming excessively warm and malleable, which increases its potential stickiness.
Distribute the chewing action evenly across both sides of the mouth. This technique prevents excessive pressure on one side, which can destabilize the denture or cause the prosthetic to shift. Avoiding lateral grinding or aggressive jaw movements is also advisable, as this can force the soft gum material into the tiny crevices of the denture.
Safe Removal Methods If Gum Sticks
If gum adheres to the denture, use safe removal methods to avoid damaging the prosthetic material. Never attempt to scrape the gum off with a sharp object, and avoid using harsh chemical solvents like acetone. The safest initial step is to gently remove as much of the mass as possible with your fingers.
Using extreme cold alters the gum’s physical state. Placing the denture in the freezer for a short period hardens the gum, allowing it to be carefully peeled or flicked off in a solid piece. Alternatively, certain oily substances can help break down the synthetic gum base. Rubbing a small amount of mineral or vegetable oil onto the sticky area helps dissolve the adhesive bond, allowing the gum to be wiped away without harming the acrylic.