There are so many different products to help make dentures more functional and more comfortable that it makes finding what you need (and realizing what you don’t) overwhelming. Here is what the American College of Prosthodontists has to say on the subject.
I have worn dentures for more than 45 years, but just recently got a new set made. My previous set was loose, but I never had to use denture adhesive. Now, with my new set (two days old), my dentist wants me to use adhesive. I never had to use denture adhesive cream before; why do I need to use adhesive now? Adhesives can leak out, and I don’t like the taste. Do I really have to use adhesive?
Answer: This is a very common problem with patients who have worn dentures for such a long time. Usually, there is so little bone to support dentures that there is nothing left to support them. Over time, you have learned how to wear them and have become comfortable with your old set. When new dentures are made with no supporting bone, they are made to fit the mouth in its current state. The bite has also changed due to all of the wear of the older teeth. So when a new set is made and it feels so different, you notice the movement, whereas before you adapted over time and did not notice the movement. While it is possible to wear comfortable and functional properly fitting dentures without adhesive, in most cases dental adhesive can improve the retention and stability of your dentures as long as it is used according to instructions. Do not use too much. Use three or four dabs of adhesive—about the size of the eraser on a pencil. Do not use large amounts. You may want to explore dental implants to support dentures. To learn about proper denture care, visit the American College of Prosthodontists online at www.prosthodontics.org.
Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists.
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How do I get bottom dentures out if I used too much adhesive cream?
Answer: The dentures will eventually come out. You are using too much if the product oozes after inserting the denture. To remove your dentures, swish your mouth with warm water or a mouthwash like Scope. Warm water will help loosen the seal. For the bottom denture: Pull slowly on the denture (do not jerk) while applying a rocking motion. For the upper denture (Removal may be more difficult—more surface area): Place thumb against the inside front teeth. Press upward and outward toward your nose. If the suggestions above don't work: Rinse the mouth again with warm water and try blowing up a balloon or blowing a whistle. Bite into a firm piece of fruit or vegetable, like an apple or an ear of corn. Avoid using any object except your fingers (not your fingernails) to pry the denture loose to avoid injury. Wait overnight if your airway is not compromised (no difficulty breathing, dentures not blocking airway, etc.) and try again in the morning after a cup of coffee or tea. If you do not have success with these techniques and you are uncomfortable leaving your dentures in overnight, you could seek assistance in a hospital emergency room or a 24-hour dental service.
Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists.
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I am wearing my new bottom denture after having two teeth extracted five days ago. Today was the first day I used an adhesive to keep my denture in place. Unfortunately, it didn't hold for the entire day as I had hoped it would. My gums, in the meantime, are very sore from keeping the lower denture from slipping around. Is there something, other than rinsing my mouth out with warm saltwater, to help minimize some of the pain and sore spots on my gums?
Answer: Before using denture adhesive, you should wait until the areas where the teeth were removed heal—usually about seven to 10 days. It will be more comfortable for you to apply denture adhesive once the gum tissue has grown over the extraction sites. However, a very small amount of denture adhesive may be used on the part of the denture that touches the roof of your mouth if needed immediately after the teeth are removed. To learn how to properly apply denture adhesive, visit the American College of Prosthodontists online at www.prosthodontics.org, an organization of prosthodontists, who are dentists with three years of additional training in denture care. Ask your pharmacist for an over-the-counter cream containing benzocaine. Carefully follow the directions. However, if the sore spots continue for longer than two or three days, you need to return to your dentist or prosthodontist for an adjustment of the partial. Chronic sore spots will not “heal” on their own. To find a prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.org.
Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists.
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After five weeks post-op with new permanent dentures, what can be done with loose, wobbly, irritating lower denture? I hate the messy, gooey adhesive that sticks to my lower gum. Powder doesn't hold. How do I get the lower denture to stay in place?
Answer: If these dentures were placed the same day your teeth were extracted, your gums and jawbone may have changed enough that the dentures are not adapted very well to your mouth. Remember that once the teeth are gone, the jaw begins to shrink. Although this shrinkage is dramatic for the first six months, then slows down, you must remember that it is an ongoing, long-term concern for denture wearers and affects the fit of the dentures over the years. You have experienced some significant changes in your jawbone since your teeth were extracted three months ago, and the temporary dentures do not fit as well as they did when you first got them. Go back to the dentist who made your dentures for an evaluation and his or her recommendations. The dentist may decide that a temporary soft liner or tissue conditioner is required to improve the fit of your dentures until your tissues have stabilized.
Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists.
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I had an immediate upper denture relined one month after extractions. Ten days later, it is already loose. How often should immediate dentures be relined? The dentist says my new lower partial does not need relining, but he is unable to get it adjusted so that the metal does not cut into my gum. I wore a lower partial previously, but the tooth where it clasped was extracted; the tooth was large, and the roots were enormously long. Wouldn't a reline possibly help lift that metal?
Answer: The use of immediate dentures (dentures placed at the time of extraction) is a good practice to allow patients time to get used to them. It also allows a chance for the wounds created after extractions to have gentle pressure applied to help with healing. Because the biggest change in jawbone shape occurs six months to one year after removal of teeth, it may become necessary to remake the dentures. This is especially useful if a large number of teeth have been removed, as the changes are also large. It is difficult to make upper and lower immediate dentures fit well on the underside while also creating a comfortable bite. The better option is to consider remaking the upper and lower complete dentures one year after tooth extraction. The advantage is that the dentures will fit the best possible and they will be comfortable. The disadvantage is that the costs are more and they will require more visits to the office. If the patient decides to stay with the immediate dentures and consider relining them, it is very difficult to reline them further down the line as additional changes take place. A prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of additional education after dental school, is trained to serve patients with a combination of needs, including dentures. To find a prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.org.
Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists.
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FAQs
What are the disadvantages of denture adhesive? ›
- Adhesives often have zinc as an ingredient. When too much zinc is ingested, it can cause problems to the extremities such as a tingling sensation, numbness, or even nerve damage. ...
- Adhesives need to be cleaned off of dentures daily. ...
- Adhesives can be messy, feel grimy, or even taste bad.
Though it is very uncommon to be allergic to denture adhesive, you may be experiencing a simple irritation. You may, however, be allergic to a specific ingredient in the adhesive, such as zinc. If you have a known allergy, it is best to check the ingredients of a particular brand of adhesive prior to purchase.
Can denture adhesive cause stomach problems? ›Certainly. It is a mixture of complex chemical compounds. Especially if you notice that the adhesive oozes out of the denture or remains on your gums after several hours of use, you are using too much. Swallowing excess amounts of denture adhesive can make you sick—literally—to your stomach.
Why does my denture adhesive not work? ›Clean your dentures and make sure they are completely dry before using an adhesive. If it is the slightest bit wet, the adhesive will not stick to it. Use a q-tip to apply the cream to your denture. Put a small amount of adhesive on the q-tip like you would when you put toothpaste on your toothbrush.
What is the safest denture adhesive to use? ›BioForce and NaturDent – Best Natural Denture Adhesives
By eliminating synthetic ingredients, these two adhesives keep you safe. Some of the ingredients in the adhesives above include pine resins, glycerin, and natural gum.
Most people think of paste denture adhesive first, but actually, the powder form may be preferable because it doesn't ooze and is easier to clean up at the end of the day. Powder is also less likely to “shim,” or pull the denture away from your gums.
What is denture stomatitis? ›Denture related stomatitis is a yeast infection in the mouth caused by a type of fungus called Candida. Candida lives harmlessly in the mouth and normally causes no problems. However, under certain conditions, problems can develop. The infection is not contagious, which means it cannot be passed on to others.
What does adhesive allergy look like? ›Symptoms of an adhesive allergy may include blisters, itchy skin, flaking skin, and a rash. While a mild reaction may only appear where the adhesive was applied, a more severe reaction is also possible. If you think you have an adhesive allergy, it's best to reach out to your doctor to confirm your diagnosis.
What are five 5 signs or symptoms of allergic reaction caused by the use of denture cleaning ingredients? ›Possible signs of allergic reaction may include irritation, tissue damage, rash, hives, gum tenderness, breathing problems, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
Should dentures fit without adhesive? ›Generally speaking, if dentures are properly fitted, denture adhesive is not necessary to keep them in place. If you feel that you need something to help your full or partial dentures stay in place, speak to your dentist about having your dentures refitted before attempting to fix the issue with adhesive.
Is denture cream harmful? ›
There is no need to worry about the side effects due to zinc in your denture adhesive. As long as you follow the instructions and only use what you need, it's perfectly safe to use denture adhesive.
Can you get zinc poisoning from denture adhesive? ›The Bottom Line. Misuse of denture creams containing zinc was the cause of zinc poisoning in some denture wearers. Problems with dental creams are uncommon; anyone with symptoms needs a complete evaluation to determine the cause.
What is the best product to hold dentures in place? ›- Holdtite Denture Powder.
- Fixodent Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Powder.
- Super Poligrip Powder Extra Strength.
- Denture Adhesive Cushion (Upper) 30 pads + (Lower) 30 pads.
- Sea-Bond Secure Denture Lower Adhesive Seals.
- Ezo Denture Cushions.
- Super Poligrip Comfort Seal Denture Adhesive Strips.
Summary of guidelines
Make sure your denture is clean and dry. Put a small amount of denture adhesive cream onto it (you should only need to do this once a day).
Adhesive Powders
But like cream, denture powder works well on properly-fitting dentures, says Barzilay. While research indicates that adhesive cream has higher adhesive strength, adhesive powder can be easier for the user to manipulate when applying dentures to tissue in their mouth.
Powders are an excellent alternative to creams. They help keep dentures firmly in place for up to 12 hours, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again. The zinc-free powder makes it easy to sprinkle on the right amount of adhesive to keep things clean.
What is the best gum that doesn't stick to dentures? ›If you have these types of fittings on your denture you may find you can chew regular gum. If not, and your denture is slightly looser then Wrigley's make a chewing gum called Freedent, this is designed to be less sticky.
Can denture adhesive cause side effects? ›The FDA is aware of case reports in the medical literature linking negative reactions such as nerve damage, numbness or tingling sensations from denture adhesives that contain zinc to chronic overuse of the products.
What are the disadvantages of using dental powder? ›Are There any Negative Effects of Tooth Powder? The abrasiveness of tooth powder may help remove surface stains. However, it can also have negative effects on your teeth. One study found that tooth powder can cause bleeding, gum loss, and damage to your enamel (tooth surface).
Which is better Fixodent powder or Poligrip powder? ›Although denture adhesive powders don't offer the convenience of creams, Fixodent's product provides a long-lasting hold and tight seal. When choosing between Poligrip and Fixodent, it really comes down to personal needs. With that said, Poligrip may be best for people who want a secure hold that lasts all day.
Why do my bottom dentures come loose when eating? ›
Loose dentures are often due to a lack of fit of the lower denture or imbalance in the biting pattern between the two dentures. As an upper denture is often the more stable of the two, it is the lower that gives way first and moves off the gum.
What is denture hyperplasia? ›Denture-induced hyperplasia is a reactive lesion arising from excessive and chronic mechanical pressure on the vestibular oral mucosa. It has a female predilection and it is mostly seen in the maxilla. The size of the lesion may be as small as a few millimeters to massive lesion involving the entire vestibule.
What is papillary hyperplasia? ›Inflammatory papillary hyperplasia (IPH) is a benign lesion of the oral mucosa which is characterized by the growth of one or more nodular lesions, measuring about 2mm or less (Fig. 1). 1). The lesion almost exclusively involves the hard palate (1-4).
What is Pseudomembranous candidiasis? ›Pseudomembranous candidiasis (thrush) is characterised by extensive white pseudomembranes consisting of desquamated epithelial cells, fibrin, and fungal hyphae (see fig 2). These white patches occur on the surface of the labial and buccal mucosa, hard and soft palate, tongue, periodontal tissues, and oropharynx.
How do you get rid of adhesive irritation? ›- Use an anti-itch cream or lotion, such as calamine lotion or a cream with at least 1 percent hydrocortisone. ...
- Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to reduce itching. ...
- Keep the area moisturized.
- Avoid scratching the rash. ...
- Use a cool compress on the area.
If you avoid the substance causing the reaction, the rash often clears up in 2 to 4 weeks. You can try soothing your skin with a cool, wet cloth and other self-care steps.
Why is my skin reacting to everything all of a sudden? ›Maybe you ate a certain food or touched/inhaled something, like dust or certain plants. These things are called allergy triggers. The most common type of skin allergy is contact dermatitis, also called atopic dermatitis. It happens when you're exposed to an irritant, such as laundry detergent, latex, or poison ivy.
What are 3 signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions in and around the mouth? ›Hypersensitivity reactions in and around the mouth may produce a wide range of clinical appearances including redness or whiteness of the mucosa; swelling of the lips, tongue and cheeks; and/or ulcers and blisters.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to dentures? ›- Itching and Redness. A denture allergy could cause you to develop itching, rashes, and redness on your lips or gums. ...
- Hives or Sores. ...
- Nausea, Vomiting, and Other Symptoms.
A partial denture can provoke an allergic reaction if it contains less expensive alloys that contain nickel or other metals. A metal alloy, Vitallium, contains chromium and cobalt. Many metallic removable partial dentures are made with Vitallium. In one dentist's case, a patient was allergic to mercury.
Can you brush dentures while in your mouth? ›
There is no rule against brushing your dentures without removing them. Doing so is unlikely to cause any harm as long as you use a very soft-bristled brush and avoid abrasive cleaning agents.
How can I keep my dentures tight? ›- Practice Eating With Your Dentures. ...
- Swap Gum for Mouthwash or Breath Mints. ...
- Keep Your Dentures Moist. ...
- Handle Dentures With Care. ...
- Ask a Dentist to Adjust Your Dentures. ...
- Use Denture Adhesive.
Denture Adhesives Have Their Place
No amount of denture adhesive will keep a poorly-shaped or ill-fitting denture in your mouth. If your bottom dentures won't stay in with a minimal amount of adhesive, it's time to see a dental professional. If your gums have changed a little, a reline may solve the issue.
The culprit: zinc in Fixodent, from Procter & Gamble, and -- until it became zinc-free last May -- Poligrip from GlaxoSmithKline. The body needs zinc. But because the body balances zinc and copper, people who get way too much zinc have dangerously low levels of copper. Moreover, zinc overdose itself may be toxic.
What are the side effects of using Poligrip? ›- Numbness or tingling in the extremities.
- Loss of strength or ability to move the extremities.
- Unexplained pain in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- Persistent falling or stumbling.
- Lack of balance.
Fixodent and Poligrip Side Effects
Unexplained tingling in the extremities (arms, hands, legs and feet) Sensation of wearing clothing, particularly gloves or socks, when the skin is bare. Burning sensation. Unexplained facial weakness.
Zinc is considered to be relatively nontoxic, particularly if taken orally. However, manifestations of overt toxicity symptoms (nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and fatigue) will occur with extremely high zinc intakes.
What are symptoms of too much zinc? ›Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
Why was zinc removed from Poligrip? ›In a consumer advisory on its Web site, the company said it had “become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products.” The company added that the products were safe to use as directed, but that some consumers used excessive amounts.
What is the best way to get Poligrip off your gums? ›The best way to remove denture adhesive from your gums and mouth is to gently brush your gums and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush and warm water. Remember to always follow the instructions on pack or speak to a dental professional for advice.
Is there something better than Poligrip? ›
While there are creams like super Poligrip denture adhesive cream that still have zinc in its ingredients, Cushion Grip offers a zinc-free non-toxic formula. In addition, Cushion Grip is safe for use on all denture plates allowing you to feel secure and confident when you use Cushion Grip denture adhesive.
Is it safe to use Polident adhesive everyday? ›Polident cleanser is recommended for daily use.
Can I leave my dentures in 3 minute Polident overnight? ›Using Polident 3 Minute Daily Cleanser
Drop one tablet in enough very warm water (not hot) to cover the dentures. Soak for 3 minutes or overnight.
Generally speaking, if dentures are properly fitted, denture adhesive is not necessary to keep them in place. If you feel that you need something to help your full or partial dentures stay in place, speak to your dentist about having your dentures refitted before attempting to fix the issue with adhesive.
Where is the best place to put denture adhesive? ›For upper dentures, apply three or four pea-sized dabs of adhesive to the top part of the denture that comes into contact with the roof of your mouth. For lower dentures, do the same around the inside area of your denture. Finally, push your dentures in place and bite down.
Are there dentures that don't need adhesive? ›Soft dentures are a flexible alternative to more common hard dentures crafted out of acrylic. These dentures don't require adhesives and adjust to the shape of the gums for greater comfort.
Which is better for dentures Poligrip or Fixodent? ›Although denture adhesive powders don't offer the convenience of creams, Fixodent's product provides a long-lasting hold and tight seal. When choosing between Poligrip and Fixodent, it really comes down to personal needs. With that said, Poligrip may be best for people who want a secure hold that lasts all day.
Do you put dentures in your mouth wet or dry? ›Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight.
What are the newest type of dentures? ›Modern fixed, implant-retained dentures
Fixed, implant-retained dentures are not removable. This type of modern denture is created to live in your mouth forever — you won't take them out at night for cleaning.
Reports of Problems
The FDA is aware of case reports in the medical literature linking negative reactions such as nerve damage, numbness or tingling sensations from denture adhesives that contain zinc to chronic overuse of the products.
How do you get Poligrip off your gums? ›
The best way to remove denture adhesive from your gums and mouth is to gently brush your gums and the roof of your mouth with a soft brush and warm water. Remember to always follow the instructions on pack or speak to a dental professional for advice.
How long can you leave Poligrip in your mouth? ›How long does Poligrip denture adhesive hold? Our formulation provides an effective all-day hold for well-fitting dentures (up to 12 hours) — depending upon the individual, the fit of the denture, and the amount of saliva in the mouth and the foods and beverages that are consumed.