ADHESIVE TIPS
For many people, denture adhesives are key to achieving that perfect fit. They help fill in any gaps that appear as your mouth changes over time. They also improve chewing ability, reduce slippage, prevent food from collecting under your dentures, provide added comfort and give you more confidence. Different forms of adhesives can be traced back to the late 18th century when vegetable gum was used to hold dentures in place.
Here is the low down on types of adhesives and tips for application and use.
TYPES OF ADHESIVE
Cream – Cream adhesives are the most commonly used and they are easy to apply. They key to a snug fit is creating a tight seal between your dentures and your mouth and cream adhesive helps strengthen that sealing bond. The most common way to apply a cream adhesive is to place a series of small dots of cream along curve of your denture and then press them firmly into your mouth and hold for a few seconds. You will know you are using too much adhesive if it oozes out the sides when you press it down in your mouth.
Powder – Powder denture adhesive is another great option for getting the perfect fit. To use a powder adhesive, first clean your dentures but don’t dry them, leaving them slightly wet. Then take a small amount of powder and (many people use a 1/4 of a teaspoon or so) and spoon it evenly on your denture. Then lightly tap or shake your denture and let any excess powder fall off. then press your denture firmly into place and bite down for a few seconds to secure the seal. When you first begin using powder adhesive start using a small amount and then add more if you need to. It’s always smart (and economical) to only use what you need and no more.
ADHESIVE TIPS
ONE | Consult with your dentist. If you are thinking about using a denture cream, ask your dentist his or her opinion, they can give you recommendations. They can help you know if your dentures need to be relined or reshaped or if some simple denture adhesive can do the job.
TWO | Watch for Zinc. In 2011, the FDA warned consumers about the dangers of denture adhesive containing zinc. Studies found that the level of zinc in adhesives was actually poisoning denture wearers and causing serious nerve damage. Many manufacturers have since cleaned up their products but it’s always a good idea to check your ingredient list! If your adhesive does contain zinc, be careful to use only recommended daily amount and no more.
THREE | Clean & Dry. Before you apply any adhesive, make sure your mouth and dentures are clean and dry.
FOUR | Rinse Well.This might sound like a no-brainer, but make sure to clean off tiny bits of adhesive at the end of the day. Remnants can build-up and affect your fit.
FIVE | Try different brands. There are many different brands of adhesive on the market and the only way to find the best one for you is to try them! The local drugstore and Amazon are great places to do research and read reviews of leading denture adhesive brands like Polident, Fixodent, DenTek, Poligrip, Sea Bond, Cushion Grip and more.
Denture Adhesive Reviews is another great resource that lists the pros and cons of each brand of adhesive. For instance, some adhesives require you to wait 20 minutes after application to eat while others have no waiting period. Make a list of your top priorities for your adhesive and then find the one that fits the bill.