For many people with traditional dentures, adhesive is a regular part of their routine. But what if you are new to your prosthetic? You might have questions about how to effectively use adhesive. You might even wonder if you need it at all! This blog post contains some practical tips that can help you use denture adhesive in the most effective way.
Do You Even Need Adhesive?
Denture adhesive might be helpful for you if:
- You frequently have a dry mouth. Medications, certain medical conditions, 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. Public speakers, musicians, and teachers often choose to use adhesive to ensure a secure all-day fit for their prosthetic.
- You want a bit of extra hold. Adhesive can help your denture stay in place throughout the day, allowing you to speak and eat without worry.
On the other hand, you should not use adhesive if:
- Your denture is extremely loose. A very loose prosthetic cannot be “fixed” with adhesive. Rather, you should visit your dentist for assistance.
- You have certain allergies. Quite a few denture adhesives contain zinc, which causes an allergic reaction in some patients.
Tips for Applying Dentures Adhesive
To effectively use denture adhesive, you should:
- Prepare your denture and your mouth. Thoroughly clean your mouth; you can wipe your gums with a soft cloth and use mouthwash. Your denture should also be clean, and it should be dry as well.
- Apply the adhesive.
- If you are using cream, place short strips of it along the base of your denture. Be careful that you 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 into small pieces and place three strips on your denture’s base. Moisten them one at a time before securing them in place.
- Wear your denture. Bite firmly on it for a few seconds so the adhesive can take hold.
How to Remove Adhesive
At the end of the day when you finish wearing your dentures, you should:
- Swish warm water around your mouth to loosen your denture. Then, gently lift it out of its place.
- Attend to your oral hygiene. Clean your gums and denture with a soft brush or cloth. Try to be thorough and remove as much adhesive residue as possible.
- Soak your denture in a cleansing solution overnight. This can remove any remaining residue and make sure your prosthetic is fresh and ready to go in the morning.
Denture adhesive could be a valuable part of your daily routine! With a bit of practice, you can master how to use it.
Meet the Practice
At the Center for Contemporary Dentistry, our team is proud to provide a broad range of services, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we would be happy to consult with you. Get in touch with our Belmont office at 603-556-7047.