Denture Adhesives
What they are, how to use them, and when to consider them.
Denture adhesives are products available from most grocery stores or pharmacies. They are applied to the inside of a denture before putting it in, and they help the denture grip more firmly to your gums.
They work best when a denture still fits reasonably well but feels a little less stable than it used to. Common reasons people use them include dry mouth, weight changes, or gums that have changed shape slightly over time.
Types of Denture Adhesive
Available at your local pharmacy
Cream or Paste
Squeezed onto the inside of the denture in small amounts before placing it in your mouth. It creates a sticky seal against your gums.
Use only a small amount. If adhesive oozes out around the edges, you are using too much.
Examples: Fixodent, Poligrip
Powder
A fine powder sprinkled onto the moistened inner surface of the denture. It activates when it contacts saliva in your mouth.
Good if you find cream messy. Shake off any excess before inserting your denture.
Examples: Fixodent Powder, Corega Powder
Adhesive Pads or Strips
Pre-cut adhesive pads that you press onto the denture before putting it in. No measuring or squeezing needed.
A great option if you have difficulty with your hands or if a carer is helping you.
Examples: Poligrip Strips, Seabond Wafers
Which Adhesive Is Right for Me?
Match your situation to the right option
Immediate dentures: Do not use adhesive until your mouth has started to heal after your teeth were removed. Using it too early may interfere with healing. Your prosthetist will let you know when it is safe.
| Your situation | Suggested option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Your denture feels slightly loose but still fits reasonably well | Powder adhesive | Creates a thin adhesive layer without adding bulk. |
| Your denture feels moderately loose or moves around | Cream or paste adhesive | Provides stronger grip and helps seal the denture to your gums. |
| Your lower denture does not stay in place | Cream or paste adhesive | Lower dentures are often harder to keep stable and usually need a stronger adhesive. |
| Your mouth is dry | Cream or paste adhesive | Cream adhesives often perform better when saliva is reduced. |
| You have trouble gripping or handling the denture | Adhesive strips or pads | Pre-cut pads are easier to apply and do not require squeezing or spreading. |
| You have just received new dentures and are still getting used to them | Cream adhesive, used sparingly | May help you feel more confident while you adjust to wearing them. |
| You have immediate dentures (placed straight after teeth were removed) | Wait until your mouth has begun to heal before using any adhesive | Using adhesive too early can enter extraction sites and interfere with healing. Ask your prosthetist when it is safe to start. |
| Your gums are very sore or tender | See your prosthetist rather than using adhesive | A soft liner or adjustment from your prosthetist will cushion your gums more effectively than adhesive. |
| Your denture has become very loose over a long period of time | See your prosthetist for a reline or new denture | Adhesive cannot correct a denture that no longer fits properly. A professional assessment is needed. |
How to Use Denture Adhesive
- 1
Clean and dry your denture thoroughly before applying adhesive.
- 2
Apply a small amount to the fitting surface of the denture. Less is more.
- 3
Insert the denture and press firmly in place for a few seconds.
- 4
Avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes after inserting.
- 5
At the end of the day, remove your denture and clean away all adhesive residue from both your denture and your gums before reapplying the next day.
Important to Know
Denture adhesive is not a fix for a loose or broken denture. It is a short-term comfort aid.
If you are using a large amount of adhesive and your denture still feels loose, it is time to see your prosthetist.
Zinc-containing adhesives should not be used in large amounts over a long period. Most modern adhesives are zinc-free. Check the label.
Always clean adhesive residue from your gums and denture thoroughly each day before reapplying.
Still having trouble? If adhesive is not giving you enough comfort or your denture feels very loose, book an appointment with your prosthetist. There may be a better long-term solution available to you.