Denture Adhesives


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Advice on denture adhesives can often be confusing. If you've watched much television, you will have seen many commercials telling you that all denture wearers should be using adhesives. However, if you have spoken to your dentist you will probably have been advised that no one needs to use a denture adhesive. The truth is that denture adhesives can be of use, in some cases. Using a denture adhesive can often reduce the stress of wearing dentures and make the user much more comfortable wearing the denture. However, for many wearers, there will be times when their denture is in need of adjustment and using an adhesive would not be advised. If you think your denture is becoming loose, then contact your dentist. Most dentists would agree that you should have your denture relined every two years at a minimum to ensure they remain comfortable. Similarly, when you do visit your dentist, the fit of your denture can be checked. The answer to better retention could be as simple as a minor adjustment or a rebasing of your denture. As you grow older, several issues can occur with prolonged denture use such as the formation of flabby tissue or the atrophy of the nearby bone structures. Denture adhesives can often be helpful to wearers, so if you feel more comfortable when using a denture adhesive, there is no need to stop.

Types of Denture Adhesives

There are two main categories of denture adhesives, pastes and powders. Powdered adhesives will not cause any problems with your bite (occlusion) and are easier to clean than pastes. Using powdered adhesives is relatively easy, simply clean your denture as you usually would and then shake a slim layer of powder on the inside of the denture before putting it back in place. When using paste adhesives, apply them in small amounts onto the inside of the denture following cleaning. It is important to make sure the denture is dry and to not use too much paste, as this can often have an effect on your bite. Using too much paste will often cause it to leak out from underneath your denture which can cause issues with removing it.


How long an adhesive will secure your denture in your mouth is dependent on a number of factors. Denture adhesives tend to be more effective when used on the upper denture, because of the greater surface area that it provides, less muscles movements and the natural suction that the area provides. Your lower denture has a range of tongue and cheek movements which it has to fight against as well as a much smaller surface area. Patients frequently experience greater movement in their lower denture than their upper. It is also easy for food debris to become stuck under the denture or for drinks to erode the adhesive away.

Removing Denture Adhesives

Dentures can sometimes be more difficult to remove when you have used adhesive. This can be a particular problem for older users who experience arthritis or other problems with their dexterity. Once you have extracted your dentures, you should clean them thoroughly using a specialised brush and keep them damp until you are ready to wear them again. Many denture users report that denture adhesives pose more of a challenge to remove than powders as they collect both underneath the denture and around the soft tissues. In many cases, you will have to peel the adhesive away from your denture and mouth using gauze.

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