Denture adhesive is a product used to keep dentures in place. It is applied to the denture surface before placement in the mouth.
Millions of people around the world use dentures, either full or partial, as a replacement for their missing or damaged teeth. However, dentures can be uncomfortable and can move around in the mouth while eating, speaking or laughing. To address this issue, denture adhesives were created.
While growing older, many people need dentures as in the old age our teeth do not function well to hold up together. As a result, we often replace them with dentures. It is a perfect option for the aged people to enjoy good eating and chewing. The natural teeth outlast their usage and so, a perfect denture can help in getting back the eating pleasure and comfort. To speak comfortably, the denture adhesive plays a vital role. It makes you more confident while you are attending get-togethers and make your denture look like the natural one; firmer and perfectly fitted to your mouth.
Understanding Denture Adhesive
Dentures play a crucial role in the lives of millions of people around the world. They not only provide the ability to chew and speak comfortably, but they also enhance an individual’s self-confidence. But dentures have their fair share of challenges, one of the most common being their tendency to shift and move around in the mouth, causing discomfort.
This is where denture adhesive comes in handy. In this post, we will discuss everything you must know about denture adhesive.
What Is Denture Adhesive And Why Is It Used?
Denture adhesive is a type of cream or paste applied to the underside of dentures to provide a secure fit and avoid them from slipping around in the mouth. While dentures can be comfortably held in place by the gums and muscles of the face, the movement of the dentures during meals or even routine movements can be irritating, embarrassing and dangerous.
Here’s a rundown of the key points:
- Denture adhesive offers a protective cushion between the mouth and the denture, which can reduce mouth irritation.
- It gives users confidence and enhances comfort while eating and speaking.
- Denture adhesive can be applied to both partial and full dentures.
Types Of Denture Adhesives
There are several types of denture adhesives available on the market, each with its advantages and drawbacks:
- Powder adhesives: These are mixed into a thick paste prior to their application. Powder adhesives are less messy and can be applied to specific regions of the denture, but it can be challenging to produce the correct consistency.
- Cream adhesives: They are easy-to-use and can be applied directly to the denture. They offer all-day support and comfort. Still, they can be messy if not applied properly.
- Adhesive pads/liners: These are pre-cut adhesive strips that are used to line the inside of the denture. They offer a no-mess solution but can leave a residue on the denture and can be challenging to apply correctly.
Read Also : Is Denture Adhesive Safe?
How Denture Adhesive Works?
Dentures are available in full and partial types. A denture is a perfect solution for the aged people who have lost their natural denture. Some dentures do not fit appropriately in the mouth and thus, you feel problem while speaking or eating. The movement of jaws and gums affect how to speak or eat. So, nothing remains pleasurable for you. Changing dentures can be a bit expensive. So, the cost-efficient method is to use a good denture adhesive to fix the dentures perfectly in your mouth.
Best Denture Adhesives
1. Secure Denture Bonding Cream by Dentek – Non-water Soluble Cream
Dentek presents a secure denture adhesive that is effective for 12 hours. It is zinc-free and the particles are not water soluble. So, the secure denture bonding cream does not harm your health. The long-lasting capability raises your confidence level while eating and drinking. The cream ingredients include natural vegetarian formula. When you apply it on gums, it makes you feel soothing and calming. The product is available at a very affordable price. Every tube comes with 1.4 ounces and the pack contains four cream tubes.
Pros
- Zinc-free
- Not water-soluble
- Supports up to 12 hours
- Suitable for eating tough foods like crisp apples or steaks
Cons
- None
2. Super Poligrip Original Formula Zinc Free Denture Adhesive Cream – Ooze-Control Formula
Super Poligrip is a long lasting cream that remains effective for 12 hours. It is a zinc-free product and comes in a sealed tube. The cream is very effective to provide a perfect seal that does not let the food particles getting stuck between the denture and gums. The cream comes with “ooze-control” formula. So, it is easy to remove and fix. It works finely and does not create a sense of irritation while you have fixed your dentures either partial or full.
The firmness and stickiness can be seen while eating the tough food items such as raw vegetables and steaks etc.
The packing comes with 4 cream tubes and each tube contains 2.4-ounce cream.
Pros
- Zinc-free
- No artificial colours or flavours
- Ooze-control formula
- Keeps breathing fresh
Cons
- A bit pricey
3. Fixodent Ultra Max Hold Denture Adhesive, 2.2 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Fixodent presents a perfect long lasting denture adhesive for your partial and full dentures. It is effective for all-day hold and does not leave a gap between the gums and dentures. So, no food particles can remain stuck between gums and dentures. The gum is easy to apply and remove.
Fixodent denture adhesive cream comes with nil water solubility. So, it does not lose its firm grip even when you take juice or eat something juicy.
This US made product gives your dentures a full firmness and does not make your dentures slipped while eating something tough.
Pros
- No oozing
- Powerful hold with no flavor
- all-day hold formula
Cons
- Not Zinc Free
4. Ezo Denture Cushions, Lower Heavy – Lower Denture Cushions
The Vacuum grip formula of the product makes the grip on lower dentures firmer. If the dentures are new, they may be difficult to fit without using a good adhesive. Ezo provides the required strength to grip the new dentures firmly. Ezo denture cushions can hold the dentures for up to 24 hours. It is incredible strength among all the denture adhesives available in the market.
The pure vegetarian formula of the cream makes it perfect for human health. It is made of pure cotton flannel, corn oil, and paraffin wax. So, it has no taste and odour.
If your denture is loose, the Ezo Denture Cushions will work the best to fix this issue. It makes them exceptionally reliable and firmer to raise your confidence while talking and eating.
The product comes in a pack of 6 boxes. Each box contains 15 cushions.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Made of natural ingredients
- Lasts for 24 hours
Cons
Extra cushions make the gums look thicker
- Slightly hard quality
5. Fixodent Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Powder – Long-lasting Zinc-free Powder
It is highly recommended due to the long lasting adhesiveness. It keeps your dentures fixed firmly for a longer time. You can enjoy eating, drinking and speaking without worrying about the dentures.
The product is zinc-free and does not harm your health.
It comes with an airtight and thin seal to keep the powder’s quality maintained.
Only a thin layer of powder is sufficient to keep your dentures fixed firms on the gums.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long lasting denture adhesive powder
Cons
- Pricey
- Quantity to be used is not specified.
- The duration of firmness is also not specified.
Buying Guide
Denture adhesive is available in liquid, cream and gel form. It is very important to create a stronger bond between your dentures and gums. However, you should be very careful while purchasing the right denture adhesive so that you could maintain your confidence while eating or talking. Before you decide to select one denture adhesive from our list, there are some key factors you need to keep in your mind.
Quality
The quality of denture adhesive is highly important. The length of the hold should be for maximum time. If it can stay for the maximum time, it would be perfect for you. So, before purchasing a denture adhesive, check the maximum time it can hold your gums firmly.
Material
The best denture adhesives are made of thermoplastics. So, you need to check the ingredients before you purchase the one.
Zinc-Free
If you buy denture adhesive containing zinc, it will be harmful to your health. The zinc is quickly absorbed by mucous membranes and it can cause fever, chills, irritation in throat and mouth and even the gastrointestinal problems initially. Continuous use of zinc can cause serious neurological problems, convulsions, liver problem, jaundice, paralysis, and neuropathy, etc.
Quantity
The quantity is also a very important factor. You need to check how much quantity you will get against the price. Since you are going to use it for a longer time, it should be sufficient in quantity against the price you are paying.
Seal
It should not be opened. A sealed denture adhesive like cream or gel can be useful for a longer time. It may be long-lasting. An open adhesive such as powder, etc can lose the effectiveness soon. Besides, it can cause serious gum problems.
Easy to Apply and Remove
Since you have to apply it twice a day before starting your day and after ending it, the denture adhesive should be easy to apply and remove. It should not be sticky after removing the dentures.
Solubility
The denture adhesives soluble in water should not be selected. These can lose their grip soon. Whenever you drink or eat something, it will lose the grip over the gums. Resultantly, you will not be comfortable while eating or speaking.
How to Keep Dentures Clean from Adhesive Residues?
Your denture is an important part of your personality. If you want to use them for a longer time, clean them thoroughly to wipe out the adhesive residues from them. These residues resist the firmer grip of denture adhesive on the gums when applied next time. So, you need to wipe them from the dentures to ensure good health and firmer grip.
Take one cup of mild hot water. Apply some toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush and rub it gently on the dentures to wipe off the adhesive residue from them. Make sure you have removed all the residues of denture adhesives from them.
Now, wash with mild hot water and clean them thoroughly.
Precautions to Use Denture Adhesives
There are some safety measures to use denture adhesives. Following are these.
You need to use only a prescribed amount of denture adhesive as per label instructions.
Do not use an excessive amount of the cream.
Do not use more doses of denture adhesive in a day than the recommended ones. It can be harmful to your health.
If you are unable to fit the dentures on the gums appropriately, you need to consult your physician. Do not experiment by using more adhesive than the prescribed quantity.
If you are experiencing a neurological problem, you should not buy a denture adhesive without consulting with your doctor.
How to Apply Denture Adhesive (Cream, Gel, Powder)
Before applying it to the dentures, you need to check the precautions on the packet to know the accurate quantity of denture adhesive.
Make sure, your dentures are clean. They should be completely dry otherwise; the denture adhesive will not work effectively.
Put small dots of denture cream or gel on dentures. If it is in powder form, sprinkle it in thin layers. There should be equal distance among the dots. Don’t take an excessive amount of cream or gel otherwise, it will ooze out from the dentures.
Apply the dentures and press them firmly against your gums. Hold them for a few seconds until the denture adhesive grips the gums strongly.
Usually, a one-time application of denture adhesive is sufficient. If you want to use it more than one time, you need to consult your dentist. It can be harmful to your health to use it excessively.
How to Remove Dentures?
Some people hurt their gums while removing the dentures without using an appropriate method. Here are the steps you need to follow to remove your dentures without hurting your gums.
Before removing dentures, you need to rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. If you are using warm water, that is an advantage. You can use a mouthwash too if you do not like warm water. Oral-b is the best mouthwash for the people using denture adhesives.
First, you will remove the lower denture. Apply a rocking motion with a gentle pull to the lower denture. It is always easy to remove the lower denture.
Since the upper denture has a stronger grip, you need to remove it with great care. It is a bit difficult to remove it. Hold the front teeth with thumb and fingers firmly. Apply upward and outward force on the denture to loosen its fitting. Pull the denture outward in the direction of your forehead.
That’s all. Now, rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the ingredients of denture adhesive you are using. If it contains Zinc, it will be ultimately harmful to your stomach, neurological health and even for your intestines. So, moderate use of denture adhesives is absolutely safe. Furthermore, a loose denture can cause soreness and infection. So, try to get a denture adhesive with nil water-solubility and more firm grip to avoid health problems.
Make sure, you are using a denture adhesive made of vegetarian ingredients. If it contains corn oil, pure cotton flannel, and paraffin wax, etc. It is absolutely safe to swallow. Only the denture adhesives with zinc are harmful to human health.
Usually, the doctors advise their female patients to remove the dentures during pregnancy so that no oral infection could be seen. However, the denture adhesive made of non-toxic material can be used if your doctor allows you. Generally, the doctors do not prescribe a denture adhesive during pregnancy because it can create negative impacts on the physical and mental health of your baby.
Not at all. The denture adhesives are quite harmless for throat if you use their prescribed quantity. However, it can cause irritation in the throat if you are using excessive quantity than the prescribed one. So, try to use it according to the prescription.
I will again clarify that you need to use the prescribed quantity of denture adhesive to avoid health issues. If you swallow a larger quantity of denture adhesive, it can cause poor digestion. So, use the accurate quantity of denture cream that has been recommended by your doctor.
If you are unable to fit the dentures properly on the gums, the loose dentures can cause soreness of throat. However, no denture adhesive can cause a sore throat. So, try to find the true reason and avoid it to get rid of sore throat.
Conlculsion
Denture adhesive is a product that helps keep dentures in place and prevents them from slipping or shifting. It is applied to the surface of the denture and creates a strong bond between the denture and the gums, providing additional comfort and security. In this article, Our expert tried to discuss the benefits, types, and usage of denture adhesive, as well as tips for choosing the right product for your needs. Hope it helps you!