Remove your dentures every night, even if there is adhesive left. Your mouth needs to rest. Wearing dentures with any type of adhesive overnight can cause irritation, as well as painful and swollen gums. You may also have gotten tiny food particles caught in between the dentures and your gums, causing painful rubbing and irritation. Swollen and irritated gums can result in poorly fitted dentures and pain. Use a soft brush and warm water to remove any residue from the dentures. Place the dentures in cool to warm water and allow them to soak overnight. You can also purchase a denture cleaner that works specifically to clean and sanitize your dentures while soaking.