A little explainer is needed here. Denture adhesive and denture glue are the same thing. Whether a paste, pad/strip or powder, they are designed to keep dentures (otherwise known as false teeth), snug in your mouth.
It’s common when first adjusting to wearing dentures, to feel a little insecure. Will they fall out when I’m talking? Will they become loose when I’m eating and make me gag? Or, horror! What if they fall out when I’m mid belly-laugh or swimming?
All are natural concerns. Generally speaking though, you shouldn’t need denture glue if your dentures are well-made and correctly fitted. If, heaven forbid, any of the above scenarios become a reality and send you scuttling red-faced for the exit, then it’s time to have a chat with your dental prosthetist.
Think about why you feel the need to use a denture adhesive. There may be a better way to gain confidence in your full denture or partial denture. If your denture is loose, there are other options to address this. Have a chat with your dental prosthetist. Perhaps a simple adjustment, or even a ‘denture reline’ which is a restoration of the fitting surface, can restore the snug fit.
Like everything, dentures have a lifespan. Changes in your mouth may result in your denture not fitting as well as it should. Supporting bone and gum tissues recede and change over time. Discussing your concerns with your prosthetist at regular check-ups can avoid many problems before they impact on your life.
If you’ve recently had teeth extracted and a denture fitted immediately afterward (immediate denture), you may need to use a denture adhesive for a limited time until your mouth adjusts. It’s normal to experience accelerated gum recession in the 12 months immediately following tooth extraction. As a result of this shrinkage, suction on the upper denture can be reduced and instability in the lower denture may occur. Denture glue will fill the gaps between the denture’s fitting surface and the gums, thereby reducing the need for repeated relines while gum recession is in progress.
There are many different kinds of denture adhesive on the market. One only has to ask (discreetly of course), what kind people prefer, to be given a barrage of different answers. Everyone has their favourites. Each form of denture adhesive, whether pastes, powders or pads, has its advantages and disadvantages.
You’ve heard the old adage: when in doubt read the instructions. It can make all the difference to how effective denture glue can be, whichever one you choose. Denture paste applied too thickly can change your bite causing discomfort and uneven wear. Pre-cut pads are expensive and must be precision trimmed to fit your denture in order to be comfortable. Although easy to wash up at night, powders need preparation and careful application to be effective. Add to this, concerns about the zinc content in denture adhesive products. While we all need zinc for our bodies to function, too much may be harmful. Your dental prosthetist can help guide you in your choice.
There are products available for dissolving denture glue. However, before you spend any money, try the following procedure which many denture wearers have found equally effective. Firstly, swish your mouth out with warm (not hot) water. Remove your lower denture by pulling gently while rocking back and forth to break the seal. Upper dentures can be a little trickier due to their great surface area. By putting your thumb on the front teeth then pressing out and upward, the denture should come free. Remember, practice makes perfect. What seems difficult when your dentures are new, will become second nature the longer you have them.
Advice varies on how to remove denture glue from gums. Some advocate using a mouthwash, but this isn’t really necessary. Simply use a soft brush to gently clean your denture under warm (not hot) water. Then, if necessary, do the same for your mouth and gums, using a circular motion to clean the roof of your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with warm water a few times is also effective. If using powder as an adhesive, wipe dentures clean with a soft moist cloth and then rinse as suggested above – easy!
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/dentures/how-to-tell-if-you-need-denture-adhesive-1015
https://www.dentureliving.com/en-us/denture-care/fixodent-product-faq
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is located in the heart of Tweed Heads, southern Gold Coast. Finally have the smile you deserve with handcrafted, quality dentures.
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