Many people with traditional dentures use adhesive to keep their teeth in place every day. It is a normal part of their routine. But what if you are new to your prosthetic? You might wonder if you really need adhesive, and if you do, what is the best way to use it? This blog post aims to provide some helpful guidance.
Do You Need Adhesive?
Adhesive might be beneficial for you if:
- You often have a dry mouth. Medications, some health conditions, and other factors can cause dry mouth, which may make it more difficult for your denture to stay in place without adhesive.
- You use your mouth a lot. Teachers, musicians, and public speakers often choose to use adhesive to make sure their prosthetic stays in place during frequent movements.
- You just want a bit of extra hold. You may choose to use adhesive simply to have a bit of extra confidence in your prosthetic’s fit.
On the other hand, you should not use adhesive if:
- Your denture fits very loosely. Adhesive should not be used to force your denture to fit. If your prosthetic does not fit snugly but comfortably on your gum tissue, you should ask your dentist for assistance.
- You have allergies. Most denture adhesives contain zinc, which can cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
How to Apply Adhesive
Here are some tips for effectively using denture adhesive:
- Prepare your mouth and your denture. Clean your mouth and your prosthetic. Then, thoroughly dry your denture.
- Apply the adhesive.
- If you are using cream, apply short strips of it along your denture’s base. Be careful not to place it too close to the edge.
- If you choose to use powder, sprinkle it lightly across your denture’s base. You can place a towel underneath to collect any powder that misses your prosthetic.
- If you have strips, tear them so you can place three small pieces on your denture’s base. Moisten them one at a time before you secure them in place.
- Place your denture in your mouth. Bite down firmly on it for a few seconds so the adhesive can start to do its job.
How to Remove Adhesive
At the end of the day, you should:
- Remove your denture. First, swish warm water around your mouth to loosen the adhesive. Then, use gentle rocking motions to lift your denture out of place.
- Take care of your oral hygiene. A soft brush or cloth can clean your gum tissue and remove adhesive residue. You should also use a soft brush to clean your denture’s base.
- Soak your denture. Place your denture in a cleansing solution so it will be fresh for you the following morning.
Incorporating denture adhesive into your routine can take a bit of practice, but before you know it, it should be an easy daily habit!
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, we provide top-quality oral care for patients in our community. We offer dentures, denture maintenance services, and more. If you have questions about tooth replacement or how to care for your prosthetic teeth, we would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our Auburn, ME, team at 207-352-2825.