If you are a denture wearer, there may be times when you should consider using a denture adhesive. Our prosthodontists specialize in dentures and helps his patients feel comfortable.
Here is a short guide that goes over when you should use adhesives, when you shouldn’t, and how to apply the cream.
When to Use Denture Adhesive
Generally speaking, denture adhesive helps to stabilize the dentures onto the gums. This helps a patient feel more comfortable when they eat or talk. However, if your dentures are well fitting, in most cases, you shouldn’t have to use much, if any, adhesive.
There are a few reasons you might consider using glue to stabilize your dentures:
- When taking cold medicines- some cold medications can cause your mouth to dry out, making it harder for the dentures to stay in place.
- Public speakers and musicians should consider a paste to provide extra security while they are on stage.
- General sense of security- even if there is not a large chance that the denture will come out, some people simply prefer to use an aid to provide extra stability.
- Those that have had a stroke, deal with neurological disabilities, or the elderly benefit from the additional stability of an adhesive.
- When you have recently had your teeth pulled and gotten dentures. It takes upwards of 10 months for the bone to restructure after you have had your teeth pulled. In the meantime, your dentures will likely not fit properly. You’ll need to have the dentures re-lined once the bone fully heals.
It’s important to talk to your dentist about using this type of product. Our prosthodontists helps each one of their patients decide if they should consider denture cream and which type to consider.
What Types of Adhesives Are Available
There are many products that you can pick up at your local pharmacy or grocery store. These are a few of the types of adhesives you can choose from:
Denture adhesive strips
Denture adhesive strips are specially designed to help keep dentures securely in place. They are thin, flexible strips that are placed on the surface of the dentures before they are inserted into the mouth. The adhesive strips create a strong bond between the dentures and the gums, providing a comfortable fit and preventing them from slipping or moving while eating or speaking. Additionally, denture adhesive strips can help to improve chewing efficiency and enhance overall denture stability, giving users great confidence in their daily activities.
Powder
Powder adhesives for dentures are another option available in the market. These adhesives come in a powdered form and are typically applied to the surface of the dentures before they are inserted into the month. One of the benefits of powder adhesives is that they offer a longer-lasting hold compared to other types of adhesives, allowing denture wearers to go about their day with confidence. Additionally, powder adhesives are easy to clean and remove, making them a convenient choice for denture users.
Cream
Cream adhesives for dentures are another popular option available. These adhesives come in a creamy consistency and are applied to the dentures before they are inserted into the mouth. Cream adhesives provide a strong and long-lasting bond between the dentures and the gums, ensuring a secure fit and preventing any movement. They also offer added comfort and cushioning, reducing the risk of sore spots or irritation. Cream adhesives are easy to apply and clean, making them a convenient choice for denture wearers.
Zinc-free
Zinc-free adhesive for dentures is a type of adhesive specifically formulated for individuals who may be sensitive or allergic to zinc. These adhesives are made without the use of zinc, which can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions. The benefits of using zinc-free adhesive include providing a secure and long-lasting hold, preventing slippage or movement of the dentures, and promoting overall comfort and confidence for denture wearers.
As a general rule of thumb, if you have a fairly well fitting denture, denture powder or strips may be a better option for you. Powders and strips are thin and will aid your dentures in fitting you in the places that need it most. If you have a very lose denture, then a cream will be a better option because it can fill in the gaps.
Here is a look at how to use the different types of denture adhesives:
How to Use a Denture Adhesive Strip
Using a denture adhesive strip is a simple and effective way to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your dentures. Here’s a step by step guide on how to properly use a denture adhesive strip.
- Start out with completely clean, dry dentures.
- Make sure your hands are completely dry before you handle the strip.
- Peel open the strip and lay it in the middle of your dentures.
- Swish warm water in your mouth and then place your dentures on your gums.
- Firmly press your dentures down in place.
How to Use Denture Powder Adhesive
Using denture powder adhesive is another effective method to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your dentures. This type of adhesive is applied as a powder and provides additional support and stability for denture wearers.
- Clean your dentures.
- Wet down the denture with warm water.
- Sprinkle powder all along the underside of the denture and shake off the loose powder.
- Put in place and hold for a few seconds while the powder sets up.
How to Apply Denture Cream
Denture cream is a popular type of denture adhesive that offers strong hold and improved comfort for denture wearers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly apply denture cream for a secure and long-lasting fit.
- Clean your dentures and make sure they are completely dry before using an adhesive. If it is the slightest bit wet, the adhesive will not stick to it.
- Use a q-tip to apply the cream to your denture. Put a small amount of adhesive on the q-tip like you would when you put toothpaste on your toothbrush.
- Apply a very thin layer of cream around the edges of your denture to create a seal. Avoid putting it in the middle, because it will squish out when you push your dentures down. Not only that, the adhesive can cause your teeth to sit higher.
- Place the denture on your mouth and then press down. The glue should set up immediately.
Denture Adhesive Removal
Adhesives need to be cleaned off or your dentures as well as your gums every night. Do not apply more to your mouth until you’ve completely cleaned away the old glue. Otherwise, it will keep the glue from creating a seal.
We recommend that you use as little adhesive as possible needed to stabilize your denture. Since denture creams, pastes, and powders leave so much residue in your mouth, the less you use the less you’ll have to clean off your gums. When you put too much on your gums, you will have to spend a lot more time removing it.
How to Remove Adhesive From Your Mouth
To start with, fill your mouth with warm water or mouthwash. Swish the water around so that it will loosen the product from your gums. Spit out the water or mouthwash and use a soft toothbrush to brush your gums. Use a circular motion when you are brushing.
Another way you can remove the product from your gums would be to brush your gums with mouthwash. Fill a cap or small cup with a small amount of mouthwash and dilute with water. Dip your toothbrush in the cup and brush your gums, inside of your mouth, and tongue to loosen the adhesive. Rinse with hot water to remove the small balls that form.
How to Get Rid of the Adhesive on Your Dentures
After you’ve cleaned your mouth, you’ll need to clean the denture itself. You can use the same toothbrush you cleaned your gums with to brush your dentures. Run warm water over the underside of the denture and gently brush until all of the cream is removed.
When Can I Use Denture Adhesive After Extraction?
It is recommended that no denture adhesive be used for up to 14 days after the extraction. This will allow for complete healing before applying adhesive for up to 14 days after the extraction. This will allow for complete healing before applying adhesive in the areas. It is, however, OK to allow denture adhesive to be used in areas not close to the extractions.
The reason to avoid using denture adhesives for 14 days after an extraction is that the teeth sockets remain open. As these sockets heal, a scab will develop similar to how a cut on an arm heals. During this time, any debris that could get into the socket could potentially delay the healing process or cause complications.
Commonly Asked Questions About Denture Glue And Adhesives
If you are a new denture wearer or recently started using glue or adhesives, here are some frequently asked questions you may have.
How Long After Applying Fixodent Can I Eat?
After you apply Fixodent to your dentures, you will want to put pressure on your dentures against your gums for 5 seconds. As long as your denture feels stable, you can eat.
How Long Does Denture Glue Take to Dry?
It should only take 5-10 seconds for denture glue, Polident, or Fixodent to dry. Be careful to only apply as much as the directions state so as not to overload your dentures and cause the glue to squish out around the teeth.
Can Dentures Be Permanently Glued In?
Dentures cannot be permanently glued in, but they can be attached to implants that are screwed into the jawline. Dental implants allow patients to have a stable denture that doesn’t move around or need to be glued in place.
How to Remove Partial Dentures That Are Stuck
If you have used too much glue or denture powder, you might have a difficult time removing your partials or dentures. Start by gargling with warm water to loosen up the glue or cream. Then, gently pull down on the partial with your thumb and pointer finger.
How Long Does Fixodent Last in A Day?
The adhesive is designed to last all day, but some denture wearers need to reapply halfway through the day. This could be an indication that you are not using enough adhesive. Or, it could mean that you need to have your dentures relined because of bone loss. Dentures must be relined over time to fit the changing shape of your gum line.
Are There Risks Associated With Using an Adhesive?
Some people are at risk for denture adhesive zinc poisoning. Too much zinc in your body can cause medical problems. The FDA has received reports that people have encountered problems from using adhesives. However, they concluded that the subjects who had these adverse reactions were using 2 tubes of paste a week. A single tube should last 7-8 weeks.
If you are worried about the amount of zinc you are absorbing, consider going with a zinc-free denture adhesive. Super Poligrip offers a formula without zinc. There are also organic creams on the market. Check with your provider before you make a decision.
Zinc Safety Tips
If you do use glue with zinc ingredients, there are a few things you can do to keep you from health concerns.
- Only apply glue once a day
- Don’t use adhesives to keep poor fitting dentures in place
- Use the least amount of glue necessary (most tubes are designed to last at least 4 weeks or longer)
Times You Shouldn’t Use Adhesives
While there are times when you should consider using denture creams or strips, there are plenty of times you should not. Only your dentist can tell you specifically what’s right for you. Some of the reasons we suggest our patients avoid using these products are when:
- If you haven’t had an adjustment in a long time- you should still go to your dentist for regular checkups. They will determine when you need to have an adjustment made. Your dentures should not slip around or hurt you.
- When you aren’t diligent about cleaning your mouth- whether you use an adhesive or not, you need to have good oral hygiene. You need to brush, soak, and rinse your dentures every day. Also, you need to clean off the old adhesive from your gums as well.
Ideally, you should have proper fitting teeth that don’t require you to use a cream or strip. Instead of relying on adhesives as a solution, let one of our dentists give you a better option, such as overdentures.
Contact us For a Consultation
If you’re tired of using denture adhesive, call our office today. One of our dentists will do an exam and give you options of how to stabilize your teeth. Whether you need a denture reline or want to go with implants, we can help you. Call now so we can get an appointment scheduled for you. Or, you can request an appointment with our online booking system.
