For many people with traditional dentures, denture adhesive is a normal part of their daily routine. However, if you are new to your prosthetic, you might have questions about adhesive. Do you really need to use it? If you do, what is the best way to apply and remove it? This blog post provides some practical guidance.
Should You Use Adhesive?
You might benefit from denture adhesive if:
- You frequently have a dry mouth. Medications and other factors can cause a dry mouth, which may make it more difficult for your denture to remain in place without the help of adhesive.
- You use your mouth a lot. Musicians, teachers, and public speakers often choose to use adhesive to ensure a secure fit for their prosthetic.
- You want a bit of extra hold. Adhesive may help your denture to stay in place all day, so you can smile and eat without worrying about slippage.
However, you should not use adhesive if:
- Your denture is extremely loose. This is an issue that your dentist should assist you with. Remember, adhesive should never be used to “force” a prosthetic to fit!
- You have certain allergies. Denture adhesives usually contain zinc, which can cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
How to Apply Adhesive
To effectively use denture adhesive, you should:
- Prepare your denture and your mouth. Make sure your mouth is clean. Your denture should be both clean and dry.
- Apply the adhesive.
- If you are using cream, place short strips of it along your denture’s base. Do not place it too close to the edge.
- If you choose to use powder, sprinkle it lightly across your denture’s base.
- If you have adhesive strips, tear them so you can place three small strips on your denture’s base. Lightly moisten them one at a time before you put them in place.
- Start wearing your denture. Bite down firmly on it for a few seconds so the adhesive can take hold.
How to Remove Adhesive
When you finish wearing your denture for the day, you should:
- Remove your denture. Swish warm water around your mouth to loosen the adhesive. Then, use gentle rocking motions to lift your prosthetic.
- Take care of your oral hygiene. A soft brush or cloth can clean your gums and remove bits of adhesive. You should also use a soft brush to make sure the base of your denture is clean.
- Soak your denture. Placing your denture in a cleansing solution can help to make sure that it will be fresh and clean the following morning.
Learning to use denture adhesive can take a bit of practice. Before you know it, though, it should become an easy part of your daily routine!
Meet the Practice
The expert team at Gillis Dental is proud to provide a wide range of oral health services for our community, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we are ready to help you find answers. Contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.