What Are Denture Adhesives?

This may seem an obvious question but there are people who are unfamiliar with denture adhesives but would like to know more about them.

A denture adhesive is a type of glue which you apply to a denture to help secure it in place. It stops a loose denture from slipping which can irritate your gums and the rest of your mouth.

Denture adhesives are available in three formats: powders, pastes and strips. These are discussed in more detail in our types of denture adhesives section.

How does a denture adhesive work?

A denture adhesive combines with saliva in your mouth to form a resin which holds the denture in place. It also fills any gaps between the denture and gums which prevents access to food debris, e.g. seeds.

Denture adhesives are useful in some but not all cases. They are effective at reducing some of the stress and worry caused by wearing dentures but they are not suitable for everyone.

There are denture wearers who would benefit more from having their dentures adjusted rather than using an adhesive. This is more of an issue for older wearers.

If you are concerned then speak to your dentist.

Benefits of denture adhesives

There are several benefits from using a denture adhesive which are:

• Stops dentures from moving around during physical activities such as sport.
• Ease any pressure caused by the dentures on the gums
• Prevents dentures from becoming loose or shifting out of position.
• Stops food particles becoming stuck underneath the lower denture.
• Improves confidence particularly in social situations such as dining out.

Ideally, dentures will remain in place on a constant basis but there are occasions where they need some help. This is where a denture adhesive can help.

They are useful for people who are new to dentures and have only tried them for a few days. A denture adhesive may provide some extra reassurance in these first few days whilst the wearer is become used to their dentures.

Disadvantages of denture adhesives

There are a couple of disadvantages which include:

• Can be difficult to remove a denture from the mouth which has been used with an adhesive.
• May give a false sense of security: a loose denture may need to be relined or rebased.

Consider both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to use a denture adhesive or not.

Loose dentures

Loose dentures are a common problem but using a denture adhesive can help. But opinions are divided as to whether this is necessary so what should you do?

Many people find that using a denture adhesive such as ‘Fixodent’secures their dentures in place which also helps to reassure them. So, if you are new to wearing dentures then you may be concerned about them slipping or irritating your mouth which is entirely normal.

If this is a problem then ask your dentist for advice. He or she will check the fit of your dentures to see what is causing them to slip and can make a small adjustment such as re-lining if required.

In some cases this is all that is needed but if you would feel happier using an adhesive then please do so. It is entirely your choice.

Age and loose dentures

Loose dentures can be caused by growing older. We realise that this is not a pleasant thought but yes, growing older happens to all of us. This means a series of physical and mental changes that affect all areas of the body which includes the mouth.

The muscles and tissues of the jaw become flabby as we age and start to atrophy (waste away). An obvious sign of this is the sunken cheeked look often seen in elderly people which occurs due to a loss of muscle mass and tone in the facial area.

Bone atrophy is another feature associated with the ageing process. There is a loss of bone density in the jaw which becomes thinner and fragile as a result. It also causes the tissues and bone of the jaw to shrink away from the denture which affects the fit.

Plus there is gum shrinkage as well.

The denture now has room to move around and slips out of position. If you are an older person then this is likely to the cause of your loose dentures.

Problems of loose dentures

Loose dentures can cause several problems which include:

• Sores or ulcers caused by friction between the dentures and the gums.
• Whistling or clicking noise as you talk
• Difficulty with speaking certain words
• Sore corners of the mouth caused by excessive saliva

A loose denture also affects your ability to eat which is even worse when eating out in public. Many people who wear dentures become aware that they are loose and feel embarrassed about this. Their main fear is that of the dentures slipping out whilst eating in the company of others or making a mess as they do so.

Another problem is smiling or engaging in conversation with others. What tends to happen is that you place your hand over your mouth as you speak or you find it awkward to eat certain foods. The self-consciousness and lack of confidence caused by loose dentures means has a negative effect on your social life.

Many people avoid social situations such as eating out rather than endure the embarrassment caused by their loose dentures.

Dentures can be awkward “at first. If you are a first time wearer then expect some minor discomfort as your mouth will need time to become used to the denture. So if they are causing a minor irritation or you find it difficult to say certain words then persevere with them.

You will become accustomed to your dentures over time. A well-fitting pair will improve your facial appearance as well as boosting your confidence and self-esteem.