New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
For people who wear traditional dentures, adhesive can be an important part of their regular routine. But what if you are new to your prosthetic? You might wonder about the best way to use adhesive, and you may even question whether you need it at all! This blog post aims to provide some practical information that will take some of the mystery out of denture adhesive.
Is Denture Adhesive Necessary?
Denture adhesive may be able to help you if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent dry mouth: Medications, specific medical conditions, and other variables can contribute to dryness in the mouth, which might make it more challenging for dentures to remain secure without additional support.
- Frequent use of the mouth: Individuals like public speakers, musicians, and teachers often opt for adhesive to maintain a stable fit throughout the day.
- Desire for extra stability: Adhesive can provide added confidence by helping dentures stay secure, allowing you to speak and eat with comfort.
On the other hand, you should not use adhesive in these circumstances:
- Excessively loose dentures: Adhesive is not a miracle fix for a denture that does not fit properly. You should talk to your dentist about getting your prosthetic adjusted or replaced so it will stay secure in your mouth.
- Allergy concerns: Some denture adhesives contain zinc, which may trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Steps for Applying Denture Adhesive
Here is a basic overview of how to properly use denture adhesive:
- Prepare both the denture and your mouth: Clean your mouth thoroughly by wiping your gums with a soft cloth and using mouthwash. The denture should also be clean and completely dry.
- Apply the adhesive:
- Cream adhesive: Place short strips of the cream along the base of the denture, taking care to avoid the edges.
- Powder adhesive: Sprinkle a light layer across the base of the denture.
- Adhesive strips: Tear the strips into smaller pieces, then position three strips on the base of the denture. Moisten each strip separately before securing it.
- Insert and secure the denture: Place your denture in your mouth and bite down firmly for several seconds to allow the adhesive to bond to your gums.
Removing Denture Adhesive
At the end of the day, it is important to remove denture adhesive so you can maintain a clean mouth and a clean prosthetic. Follow these steps:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to loosen the denture, then gently lift it from the gums.
- Clean both your gums and your denture with a soft brush or cloth, making an effort to eliminate as much adhesive residue as possible.
- Soak the denture in a cleansing solution overnight to remove any lingering residue and to prepare the prosthetic for use the next day.
Denture adhesive may become a key part of your normal routine! With a bit of practice, using it should become both easy and natural.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been serving our community for decades. We are proud to provide a broad range of services, including dentures, denture maintenance, and more. If you have questions about how to properly use or care for your prosthetic, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our New Haven, CT, location at 203-712-4068.