Patient Guide
Denture Adhesives
For patients, families and carers - types, how to use them, and when to see your prosthetist.
Denture Adhesives
Patient guide - for patients, families and carers
Denture adhesives are available from most pharmacies and grocery stores. They are applied to the inside of a denture before putting it in, and help the denture grip more firmly to your gums. Adhesives are a short-term comfort aid, not a substitute for professional review when your denture no longer fits properly.
Types of Denture Adhesive
| Type | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cream / Paste | Squeezed onto the fitting surface. Creates a sticky seal against your gums. | Moderate–strong looseness, dry mouth, lower dentures, new wearers. |
| Powder | Sprinkled onto moistened denture. Activates on contact with saliva. | Mild looseness where saliva levels are reasonable. |
| Strips / Pads | Pre-cut adhesive pads pressed onto the denture base. No squeezing needed. | Patients with reduced dexterity or carers assisting with denture placement. |
How to Use Adhesive
- 1Clean and dry your denture thoroughly before applying adhesive.
- 2Apply a small amount to the fitting surface. Less is more. If adhesive oozes out around the edges, you are using too much.
- 3Insert the denture and press firmly in place for a few seconds.
- 4Avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes after inserting.
- 5At the end of the day, remove your denture and clean away all adhesive residue from both your denture and your gums.
Which Adhesive Is Right for Me?
| Your situation | Suggested option |
|---|---|
| Denture feels slightly loose but still fits reasonably well | Powder adhesive |
| Denture feels moderately loose or moves around | Cream or paste adhesive |
| Lower denture does not stay in place | Cream or paste adhesive |
| Dry mouth | Cream or paste adhesive |
| Trouble gripping or handling the denture | Adhesive strips or pads |
| New dentures - still getting used to them | Cream adhesive (sparingly) |
| Immediate dentures (straight after extraction)* | Wait until mouth has begun to heal |
| Gums are very sore or tender | See your prosthetist |
| Denture has become very loose over a long period | See your prosthetist for a reline or new denture |
* Do not use adhesive on immediate dentures until your mouth has started to heal. Ask your prosthetist when it is safe.
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.
All About Dentures · 16 South Street, Ipswich Q 4305 · (07) 3282 9018allaboutdentures.com.au
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