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Sticking it to dentures
Eating is one of the many pleasures of life. Since you don't want to give up eating your favorite foods now that you have new dentures, you may need a little extra assistance in keeping those dentures securely in your mouth. Initial success with denture placement and adhesion depends mostly on your expectations of performance as well as your lifestyle. You should know that many people don't like their dentures. It's a less-than-perfect situation that takes a little getting used to, but that's the limit of today's solutions. If you've got a set of dentures that feel unstable at first or you just want the confidence of some adhesion, many reliable products can help. They're safe, reasonably practical, and easy to use.
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Sink Your New Teeth Into This
- Denture adhesives work by creating a bond between the mouth tissue and the surface of the denture; saliva activates and thickens the adhesive.
- The more you know about dentures and how they work, the happier you'll be using them, and the easier it will be to adapt to them.
- Most often, denture success -- with or without adhesive -- depends on how you feel about wearing them. If you are committed to a good experience, you will have it.
- Ask your dentist for samples of denture adhesive and a demonstration of how to use them.
- Properly fitted dentures should stay in place, but you may feel more comfortable using adhesive at first.
- Your mouth and gums can change, so dentures need to be refitted every so often. Don't fight or ignore it -- see your dentist. Adhesive cannot make up for ill-fitting dentures.
- Adhesives seem to work best for people who are having trouble adjusting to dentures or who put high demands on their mouths (like musicians, public speakers, teachers, gossips).
- Many people are afraid that denture adhesives will be ineffective, vile tasting, or toxic. This is based on ideas that were formed 20 years ago, fueled by dentists who resist adhesives. Today's products are fine in just about every way.
- Maintain a very high degree of oral hygiene. Brush your tongue and gums at least once per day and after meals if possible. Clean the denture thoroughly before placing it in liquid for the night.
- Start with less adhesive than you think necessary, then add more to get the adhesion you want.
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Adhesives
About 30% of denture wearers use adhesives, which help the suction of dentures on the gum tissue by increasing the surface tension. This gives the dentures more stability and ease of use. Studies on problems and tissue damage due to denture adhesives are not conclusive.
| Adhesives | Ingredient | Description |
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| Carboxymethyl cellulose | ? | A synthetic adhesive and thickener. | | Ethylene oxide homopolymer | ? | Made from a plastic-like polymer. | | Karaya gum | ? | A natural gum that works as a denture adhesive. | | Vinylmethyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer | ? | A plastic-like polymer that works as an adhesive. | | Acrylate resin | ? | A plastic-like polymer adhesive. |
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Appropriate Uses
Denture adhesive paste
Holds dentures in place by temporarily bonding them to the gums, prevents discomfort from food that can get trapped between the dentures and the gums, and allows enhanced bite force while eating.
Denture adhesive powder
Holds dentures in place by temporarily bonding them to the gums, prevents discomfort from food that can get trapped between the dentures and the gums, and allows enhanced bite force while eating.
Common Misconceptions
Denture adhesive paste
Should not be used to make poorly fitting dentures stay in place. Consult your dentist if your dentures do not fit.
Denture adhesive powder
Should not be used to make poorly fitting dentures stay in place. Consult your dentist if your dentures do not fit.
Getting the Best Chew You Can
- Thoroughly clean denture before applying adhesive.
- Do not use more than you need to keep the denture in place.
- Do not put adhesive near the denture's edges to prevent it from oozing out.
- Apply a series of dots of paste along the center of the denture.
- If you are using a powder denture adhesive, first sprinkle it evenly onto the denture's tissue-bearing surfaces, then shake off the excess.
- Press denture into place and hold for a few seconds.
- Reapply as needed to provide the desired effect.
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Long-Term Use May Lead To Problems
- Eventual improper placement of dentures
- Development of sores
- Increased bone ridge loss
Follow Instructions Carefully
Swallowing or over-application may result in gastric upset.
Adhesives Can't Always Help
Consult a dentist if your dentures do not fit properly.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996.
- 2. Knodel, LC.Nonprescription Products: Formulations & Features '98-99. Americam Pharmaceutical Association. Washington DC 1998.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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