Poligrip is a popular denture adhesive that helps keep dentures securely in place. While effective at holding dentures, Poligrip can sometimes be difficult to completely remove from the gums. Getting leftover Poligrip off the gums is important for oral hygiene and preventing irritation.
What is Poligrip?
Poligrip is a denture adhesive made by GlaxoSmithKline that helps create a strong seal between dentures and gums for a secure hold. It is available in cream, strip, and ultra fresh powder forms. Poligrip contains ingredients like petrolatum, cellulose gum, and mineral oil that adhere strongly to dentures and gums.
When applied to dentures, Poligrip adheres to the denture surface and helps fills in gaps between the dentures and gums. This provides suction and helps prevent dentures from slipping. The strong adhesive hold makes chewing easier with properly fitting dentures.
Why Poligrip Sticks to Gums
Poligrip is designed to adhere strongly to offer denture wearers extended hold throughout the day. The sticky, glue-like consistency enables it to stick well to the denture surface and gums.
Reasons why Poligrip remains stuck on gums include:
- Petrolatum – A primary ingredient in Poligrip that has a thick, waxy texture that clings to surfaces.
- Adhesive polymers – Poligrip contains cellulose gum and polyvinyl acetate that have adhesive properties.
- Saliva – Saliva helps re-emulsify Poligrip and enables it to attach to gum tissues.
- Compression – The pressure from dentures compressing gum tissues aids Poligrip adherence.
The stickiness and gum-binding ability of Poligrip is beneficial for keeping dentures in place when worn. However, this adhesive property also causes leftover Poligrip to stubbornly cling to gums after dentures are removed.
Importance of Removing Leftover Poligrip
While Poligrip hold dentures firmly during wear, it’s important to thoroughly clean gums after removing dentures. Leftover Poligrip left on gums can cause:
- Plaque buildup – Poligrip left on gums promotes plaque accumulation and bacterial growth.
- Gum irritation – Ingredients in Poligrip may cause gum sensitivity and inflammation when left on tissue.
- Altered taste – Poligrip may coat taste buds and temporarily reduce sense of taste.
- Clogged salivary ducts – Hardened Poligrip can block salivary gland openings under the tongue.
- Oral hygiene problems – Poligrip left on gums interferes with proper brushing and flossing.
To help avoid these issues, Poligrip should be thoroughly removed from gums after wearing dentures. With some effort, leftover Poligrip adhesive can be eliminated from the gums.
Methods to Remove Leftover Poligrip
It takes a bit of scrubbing to detach the strong bonding of Poligrip from gum tissues. Here are some effective methods for getting rid of leftover Poligrip from gums:
Use a washcloth
Gently wiping gums with a soft washcloth helps rub off leftover Poligrip. Run warm water over a washcloth until it’s damp. Gently rub the surface of gums to loosen clinging bits of Poligrip. Take care not to vigorously scrub gums, which can cause tissue irritation. Change rinse the washcloth as needed.
Try an effervescent cleaner
Denture cleansing tablets or effervescent soaks like Polident can help dissolve and dislodge leftover denture adhesive from gums. These contain alkaline peroxides that break down denture adhesive residues. Follow instructions and soak dentures for 5-10 minutes. This helps soften and loosen excess adhesive before removing dentures.
Use a denture brush
A denture brush with dual-sided bristles can scrub gums free of leftover adhesive. Apply some warm water and gently scrub gum areas with moderate pressure. Take care not to aggressively brush tissue. Rinse away dislodged adhesive and repeat if needed.
Try an oral irrigator
Oral irrigators like a Waterpik can blast away sticky remnants of Poligrip with a focused spray of warm water. Use the soft tip and lowest setting to avoid harming gums. Aim the water jet at gum areas encrusted with leftover adhesive to wash it away.
Rinse with warm salt water
Salt water helps detach stubborn adhesive from gums. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse and gargle the solution in the mouth for a minute or two. Spit out the water and rinse away dissolved adhesive residue.
Use an oral rinse
Therapeutic mouthwashes containing ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils help loosen denture cream leftover from gums. Rinse mouth with an oral rinse for 30-60 seconds after removing dentures. The rinse solution will help break down adhesive.
Try an adhesive remover
Specialized adhesive removing wipes and gels help eliminate traces of Poligrip from gums. These contain solvents and emulsifiers tailored to break down and dissolve denture adhesive residues. Use as directed on gum areas with leftover Poligrip.
Preventing Leftover Poligrip Buildup
While removing leftover Poligrip from gums is important, it’s better to try preventing excessive adhesive residue on gums in the first place. Here are some tips to help avoid buildup of leftover Poligrip on gums:
- Use sparingly – Only apply a thin layer of Poligrip needed to hold dentures in place.
- Avoid extra paste – Spread paste only on dentures, not directly on gums, to reduce leftover residue on tissue.
- Rinse after meals – After eating, rinse away any traces of Poligrip on gums to prevent accumulation.
- Brush regularly – Brush gums after removing dentures, before bed, and in the morning.
- Clean dentures – Hand wash or soak dentures daily to remove old adhesive.
- Apply cleanly – Before applying fresh Poligrip, ensure gums and dentures are clean and free of old adhesive.
- Check fit – Ill-fitting dentures require more adhesive, increasing leftover buildup on gums.
When to See a Dentist
For most people, leftover Poligrip on gums can be effectively removed using proper oral hygiene and removal methods. However, it’s a good idea to see a dentist if you experience:
- Severe gum irritation or inflammation
- Bleeding, sore, or tender gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Persistent gum pain
- Numbness or tingling of the tongue or gums
- Sores or ulcers on the gums
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Constant bad breath
These may be signs of a more serious health condition and warrant dental evaluation. A dentist can assess gum health, rule out underlying problems, and provide solutions for stubborn leftover adhesive.
Conclusion
Leftover Poligrip sticking to gums is a common problem among denture wearers. While Poligrip provides reliable denture retention during wear, its adhesive properties can lead to residue clinging to gum tissues after removing dentures. Allowing leftover Poligrip to remain on gums can promote plaque buildup, irritation,altered taste and oral hygiene problems. Using methods like washing with warm water, effervescent soaks, oral rinsing and scrubbing with a denture brush can help eliminate leftover Poligrip from gums. Prevention is also key by applying the minimal amount needed for hold and practicing thorough oral hygiene. See a dentist promptly if gums remain irritated or sore.