A denture that fits well should stay in place on its own for most of the day, and adhesive simply adds a little extra hold and keeps crumbs from sneaking underneath. Many people with a well-made upper denture never use it. Lower dentures are a different matter, because they rest on a narrower ridge with the tongue moving beside them, and a thin layer of adhesive can make eating and talking feel more secure.
Where adhesive causes trouble is when it is used to keep a loose denture in. That is worth knowing early, because it changes what you should do next.
More adhesive every week usually means the fit has changed
After teeth are lost, the bone and gum that support a denture keep remodelling. A 12-month study of extraction sites by Schropp and colleagues (International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry, 2003) found the major changes happened during the first year after extraction, and the ridge continues to change more slowly after that. The denture itself does not change shape, so a gap slowly opens between the two.
That gap is what people are filling when they find themselves squeezing out more and more adhesive. It may work for a while, but the denture can still rock when you chew, and rocking dentures tend to cause sore spots. The better fix is to have the fit checked. Often a reline, which reshapes the fitting surface to match your gums again, is enough. Our guide to looking after dentures and when to reline them explains how that works.
Cream, powder or strips
The three common forms all do the same job, so the choice mostly comes down to feel and convenience.
- Creams are the most widely used and give a firm hold, but it is easy to put on too much.
- Powders are sprinkled thinly onto a damp denture. They tend to be less messy and give a lighter hold.
- Strips or pads are pre-cut to shape, which some people find tidier and easier to travel with.
If one type irritates your gums or leaves a taste you dislike, try another, and mention it at your next check-up.
Getting the amount right
Less is more. With a cream, a few small dots or short thin strips on a clean, dry denture are enough, placed a little way back from the edges. Press the denture firmly into place, hold it for a few seconds, then bite together gently. If adhesive squeezes out around the edges, use less next time. With a powder, a light, even dusting on a slightly damp denture is all that is needed; shake off any excess.
Follow the instructions on the pack for how often to reapply, and avoid layering fresh adhesive on top of old.
Clean it all off every day
Old adhesive left on the denture or on your gums can trap bacteria and food. When you take the denture out, remove the remaining adhesive from both the denture and your mouth. Warm (not hot) water helps soften it. Then clean the denture with a soft brush and mild soap and water, rather than toothpaste, which can scratch the surface. NSW Health advises cleaning dentures in the morning and at night and taking them out before you go to sleep. Wipe or brush your gums, tongue and palate as well. Our article on full and partial dentures covers daily care for each type.
Check the label for zinc
Some denture creams have contained zinc. Using large amounts of a zinc-containing adhesive over a long period has been linked in published case reports to copper deficiency, which can cause anaemia and problems with walking and balance (Doherty and colleagues, British Dental Journal, 2011). The risk relates to heavy, prolonged overuse, not normal small amounts. Even so, it makes sense to read the label, choose a zinc-free product where you can, and see your dentist if you are using a lot.
Questions people ask about denture adhesive
Should I use adhesive with a brand new denture?
Some people find a small amount helps with confidence in the first weeks while they learn to control the denture. If a new denture feels loose or rubs, though, go back to your dentist for an adjustment rather than relying on adhesive.
Is it safe to use adhesive every day?
Small amounts of a product used as directed are generally considered fine. Problems tend to come from using a lot, not cleaning it off properly, or using it to compensate for a denture that no longer fits.
What if no amount of adhesive keeps my lower denture still?
That usually points to a fit problem or a ridge that has shrunk significantly. A reline or a new denture may help. For some people, a denture that clips onto a small number of implants gives much more stability; our comparison of implants, bridges and dentures sets out the options, and you can read about dental implants at Lumi.
Having your denture checked
If your denture only feels secure with plenty of adhesive, our dentists can look at the fit, check your gums for sore spots and talk through whether a reline, a new denture or an implant-retained option suits you. See the current offers or book a visit at our Melrose Park practice. This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice.
Sources
- Schropp L, Wenzel A, Kostopoulos L, Karring T. Bone healing and soft tissue contour changes following single-tooth extraction: a clinical and radiographic 12-month prospective study. International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. 2003;23(4):313-23.
- Doherty K, Connor M, Cruickshank R. Zinc-containing denture adhesive: a potential source of excess zinc resulting in copper deficiency myelopathy. British Dental Journal. 2011;210(11):523-5.
- NSW Health: Denture care
