If you are among the roughly 32 million Americans who wear dentures, you may find adhesive useful. Denture adhesive is non-toxic, water-soluble, and goes between the denture and the gum line to help hold them in place. It can help you feel more confident in your dentures by providing additional stability when eating, talking, and laughing with loved ones or in professional settings. Unfortunately, many people don’t know the proper way to use it. Read on to learn the right way to apply three different types of denture adhesive as well as how to remove it from your restorations.
Denture Adhesive Strips
These strips are applied directly to your dentures before you put them in your mouth. Start by cleaning off and drying your dentures. Then, peel the strips open and remove them. Use water to gently moisten each strip and attach them to the dentures. Be careful not to overlap them, and rinse your mouth out with water before you insert the dentures. Next, hold your dentures firmly in place and bite down to secure them.
Denture Adhesive Powder
This type of adhesive works by soaking up water to attach dentures to your gums. Thoroughly clean your dentures, then wet them down with warm water. Next, sprinkle the powder along the underside of the dentures. Shake off the excess power and hold them in place for a few seconds. This will allow the powder to set.
Denture Adhesive Cream
This is the most common kind of denture adhesive. First, clean your dentures and make sure that they’re dry before you apply the adhesive with a cotton swab or in short strips. Rinse your mouth out before you put them in your mouth. Press your dentures into place and firmly hold them while you bite down for a few seconds to secure them.
How to Remove Denture Adhesive
To remove denture adhesive that’s stuck on your gums, fill your mouth with warm water or mouthwash. Swish it around to loosen the adhesive from your gums. Next, spit the liquid out and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your gums in circles. Another way to remove the adhesive is to dilute a small amount of mouthwash in water. Dip a toothbrush into the mixture and use it to lightly brush your gums before you rinse with warm water. To remove the adhesive from your restorations, brush them gently and run warm water over the underside until they’re free of gunk.
It’s ideal for your false teeth to fit properly, but denture adhesive can help in a pinch. If your dentures don’t sit properly in your mouth, make sure to visit your dentist so they can make the necessary adjustments.
About the Practice
LakeView Family Dental aims to help patients maintain excellent oral health and learn to love their smiles. For those who are missing several or all their teeth, they offer high-quality dentures to give you back some of your bite power and allow you to regain your confidence. Call their Keego Harbor office at (248) 720-5284, their West Bloomfield office at (248) 363-3304, or visit their website to learn more about using denture adhesive or to schedule a consultation.