The Best Types of Denture Adhesive

Dentures can significantly improve your quality of life, but they can also present challenges, such as looseness or discomfort. Denture adhesives are a convenient solution to help keep your dentures in place and ensure a more comfortable fit.

Here we explore the different types of denture adhesives, their benefits, and how to use them effectively.

What is Denture Adhesive?

Denture adhesives are temporary glues that can help dentures stay in place. Most people don’t need them if their dentures fit properly.

However, the bones that support dentures can gradually shrink, causing gaps and making them loose over time. Denture adhesives can fill these gaps, allowing dentures to fit better while you wait for a new set to be made.

Denture adhesives come in different forms:

• Powders
• Pastes
• Adhesive pads
• Creams
• Sheets or strips

What is the Best Denture Adhesive?

Picking the best denture adhesive can be difficult because there are so many products available. However, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) recommends avoiding denture adhesives that contain zinc.

Long-term, excessive use of adhesives with zinc can cause adverse reactions like nerve damage, tingling, or numbness. Here are three of the best denture adhesives you can buy:

1. Super Poligrip Original Formula Zinc Free Denture and Partials Adhesive Cream

This denture adhesive cream is a top recommendation because it is zinc-free. It provides a 12-hour hold and reduces the amount of food particles that become trapped between the gum tissue and dentures. It is recommended for people with complete or partial dentures.

2. Secure Waterproof Denture Adhesive - Zinc Free

Unlike most denture adhesives, which use water-soluble formulas, Secure Waterproof Denture Adhesive — Zinc Free is a truly waterproof adhesive. It’s also 100% flavor-free, so it won’t change the taste of food.

It does not contain petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or artificial colors and dyes. The manufacturer suggests cleaning your dentures with Secure Dental Cleanser to remove their adhesive product properly.

3. Fixodent Complete Original

Although it does contain zinc, it doesn’t have as much as many other products. Avoid using this product more than once a day and use a small amount each time. One tube of Fixodent can last for 7 to 8 weeks.

How to Apply Denture Adhesives

The instructions on how to use denture adhesives can vary depending on what you’re using. However, most denture adhesives follow these steps:

• Place a small amount of adhesive onto clean, dry dentures.
• Put the denture in your mouth and close your mouth or bite down firmly for a few seconds.
• Do not drink or eat anything for at least 5 minutes

If extra adhesive overflows from underneath the dentures, you’ve used too much. Don’t swallow the adhesive.

How to Remove Denture Adhesive

Most people should take their dentures out at night while they sleep. To remove dentures with adhesive, you need to:

• Firmly grasp onto dentures and pull them out. You can also fill the mouth with warm water and create a rocking motion to loosen dentures.
• Thoroughly brush dentures using a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Make sure that all adhesive is removed and don’t try to remove it with toothpaste.
• Thoroughly clean the inside of your mouth to remove any remaining adhesive.
• Soak dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution in lukewarm to warm water.

What are the Benefits of Denture Adhesives

In a 2021 systemic review, researchers concluded that denture adhesives improve retention, bite force, and chewing ability. They can also reduce the accumulation of food debris between dentures and gum tissue.

Adhesives can make dentures feel more comfortable and make you feel more confident while wearing them.

Who Shouldn’t Use Denture Glue?

If you’re wearing dentures for the first time, or using a brand new set of dentures, avoid using adhesives. At this stage denture adhesives can act as a crutch, preventing your muscles from learning how to manipulate the new dentures.

If your dentures don’t fit well or haven’t fit well for a long time, talk to a dentist instead of using denture adhesives. Wearing ill-fitting dentures can cause mouth sores and lead to increased bone loss over time.

Stop using denture adhesives and talk to a dental professional or doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling in your extremities
• Allergic reactions

Denture adhesives can be a valuable tool in maintaining a comfortable and secure fit for your dentures. Remember to consult with your dentist if you have concerns about denture fit or adhesive use.