If you wear dentures, you have probably come across denture adhesives — the creams, powders, and strips sold at pharmacies that promise to keep your prosthesis firmly in place throughout the day. But are they necessary, and should you be using one? The answer depends on the fit and condition of your dentures, how long you have been wearing them, and your individual circumstances. This article explains what denture adhesives are, when they can genuinely help, and when they may actually be masking a problem that needs professional attention.
Denture adhesives are products applied between the fitting surface of a denture and the gum tissue to improve retention and stability. They work by creating a temporary bond that helps prevent the denture from moving during eating and speaking. They are widely available over the counter and come in several different forms, each with its own advantages and application method.
Types of Denture Adhesive
There are four main types of denture adhesive available, each suited to slightly different needs and preferences:
- Cream adhesives: The most popular type. Applied in small strips or dots to the fitting surface of the denture before insertion. Brands such as Poligrip and Fixodent are well-known examples. Creams provide good retention and are easy to apply.
- Adhesive powders: Sprinkled onto the moistened fitting surface of the denture. Powders create a thin, even layer and are a good choice for patients who find creams difficult to control. They tend to provide slightly less hold than creams.
- Adhesive pads or strips: Pre-cut pads that are placed directly onto the denture before fitting. They are clean and easy to use, though they may not conform as well to irregular fitting surfaces.
- Adhesive wafers: Similar to pads but often thinner and designed for use with complete upper dentures. They dissolve slowly throughout the day.
| Adhesive Type | Ease of Use | Hold Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream | Moderate | High | Complete and partial dentures; everyday use |
| Powder | Easy | Moderate | Patients who prefer a lighter application |
| Strips/Pads | Very easy | Moderate to high | Upper complete dentures; occasional use |
| Wafers | Very easy | Moderate | Upper dentures with reasonable suction |
When Denture Adhesive Is Genuinely Helpful
Denture adhesive can be a useful aid in certain specific situations. For new denture wearers, the first few weeks involve a steep learning curve as the muscles of the face and mouth adapt to controlling the prosthesis. A small amount of adhesive during this adjustment period can provide extra confidence and reduce the anxiety of the denture moving unexpectedly during meals or conversations.
Adhesive can also be beneficial for patients with very flat gum ridges, where there is less bone for the denture to grip. As the jawbone resorbs over the years following tooth loss, retention naturally decreases, and adhesive can compensate to some degree. Similarly, for patients with dry mouth conditions — which reduce the natural saliva that helps a denture seal against the gum tissue — adhesive can provide valuable additional retention.
Some wearers find adhesive helpful specifically for social or professional occasions where they need maximum confidence, even if they manage perfectly well without it during normal daily activities.
When Adhesive Is Not the Right Answer
It is important to understand that denture adhesive is intended as a supplement to a well-fitting denture, not as a solution for a poorly fitting one. If you find yourself relying heavily on adhesive just to keep your denture in place, this is a sign that the fit needs to be professionally reviewed.
Ill-fitting dentures can cause a range of problems beyond inconvenience. They can create sore spots on the gum tissue, accelerate bone resorption, and make eating a frustrating experience. Continuously applying large amounts of adhesive to compensate for a loose denture is not a sustainable solution — and some adhesive products contain zinc, which in excessive quantities over prolonged periods has been associated with nerve damage (a condition known as hyperzincaemia). As noted by Wikipedia’s article on denture adhesive, overuse of zinc-containing products has been flagged as a health concern, and patients should always use adhesives as directed.
Well-fitting dentures — particularly upper complete dentures with good suction — often require little to no adhesive. If you need more than a thin application to achieve a comfortable fit, this suggests the denture may need relining or replacing rather than more adhesive.
How to Use Denture Adhesive Correctly
Using too much adhesive is a common mistake. More is not better — excessive adhesive makes the denture harder to clean, can interfere with the natural bite, and wastes product. Here is the correct approach for cream adhesives, which are the most commonly used:
- Ensure the denture is completely clean and dry before applying adhesive.
- Apply small strips or dots of cream — three to four pea-sized amounts distributed across the fitting surface is usually sufficient for a complete upper denture. Use less for smaller dentures.
- Insert the denture and press firmly into place for a few seconds, biting down gently to spread the adhesive evenly.
- Remove excess adhesive that squeezes out from under the denture.
- At the end of the day, remove the denture and clean both the denture and your gum tissue thoroughly to remove all traces of adhesive before the next application.
Removing Adhesive Residue
Adhesive residue left on either the denture or the gum tissue can cause irritation and affect how well the adhesive works next time. To remove it effectively, rinse the denture under warm water and use a soft brush to clean the fitting surface. For residue on the gums and palate, rinsing with warm water and using a soft cloth or the pads of your fingers in a circular motion will help dislodge any remaining material.
Discussing Adhesive With Your Dentist
If you are unsure whether denture adhesive is right for you, or if you have been using it for a long time and notice you need increasing amounts to achieve the same effect, it is worth discussing this with your dentist. They can assess the current fit and condition of your dentures and advise whether a reline, a new prosthesis, or a different type of adhesive would better serve your needs.
How to Choose the Right Denture Adhesive
If you decide to try a denture adhesive, selecting the right type for your needs can make a significant difference to your experience. Cream adhesives are the most versatile and widely used, offering good hold for both complete and partial dentures with straightforward application. If you prefer to avoid the messiness of cream products, adhesive strips or pads may be a more convenient alternative, particularly for upper complete dentures that already have reasonable suction. For patients with very flat gum ridges or dry mouth conditions, a cream adhesive generally provides stronger and more reliable retention. When choosing a brand, check whether the product contains zinc. If you are using adhesive daily in significant quantities, opting for a zinc-free formulation reduces any long-term risk associated with prolonged use. If you are uncertain which product suits your situation best, your dentist or pharmacist will be well placed to advise.
The most important thing to remember about denture adhesives is that they are a tool, not a cure. Used appropriately, they can genuinely improve quality of life and confidence. Used excessively as a substitute for proper dental care, they can mask problems that will only worsen over time. Regular communication with your dental team, combined with a proper care routine, is always the most effective long-term approach to comfortable denture wearing.
Here at Tarbert Dental Surgery, our team is always willing to discuss your denture comfort and stability with you. Whether you are a new wearer wondering whether to try an adhesive, or a long-term wearer who feels their dentures are not as secure as they once were, we can help you find the right solution. Get in touch by calling 01880 820387 and our friendly team will be delighted to assist.