For people who have lost several or all of their teeth, dentures provide a dependable way to regain a complete, confident, and functional smile. However, a common problem with dentures is their tendency to slip, which can occur when there’s not enough natural suction between the restorations and the gums. Thankfully, denture adhesive offers a temporary solution by improving stability. However, some may find it challenging to apply correctly. Here are some tips to help you use denture adhesive effectively.
3 Reasons Why You Should Use Denture Adhesive
Although dentures are crafted to fit snugly over our gums, adhesive is generally not needed. However, adjustments or remakes may be necessary due to differences in fit. In the meantime, there are several reasons why adhesive might be helpful, such as:
- Improved confidence – Using adhesive to improve denture stability can greatly increase your confidence and comfort when eating, speaking, and laughing.
- Increased stability – People with dry mouth may find it hard to keep their dentures in place because there’s not enough saliva to create suction. Using denture adhesive can help fix this issue temporarily.
- Enhance strength – For people with jobs that require a lot of talking or moving their mouths, like teaching, singing, or public speaking, adhesive gives extra support to stop dentures from slipping during speech.
How to Use Denture Adhesive
To ensure your denture adhesive works well, it’s crucial to apply it correctly. There are different types of adhesives, like creams, powders, and strips. Start by cleaning and rinsing your dentures thoroughly. Once they’re dry, follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging for applying it.
Press your dentures firmly into place and hold them down for a few seconds to make sure they stick securely to your gums. If applied properly, the adhesive should keep your dentures stable throughout the day. However, if they still feel loose, it could mean they don’t fit right and you should see your dentist for evaluation.
4 Tips for Removing Denture Adhesive
Before going to bed, it’s important to remove your denture adhesive to get ready for a new application in the morning. Here’s how:
- For upper dentures, push your thumb upward and outward against the front teeth
- For lower dentures, gently rock them back and forth while pulling them out
- Brush your dentures carefully and clean your mouth thoroughly
- Rinse your mouth with warm water or mouthwash
If you experience any challenges with applying or removing denture adhesive, it’s crucial to notify your dentist right away. They have the knowledge and skills to help you apply and remove the adhesive correctly. Moreover, they can make any necessary adjustments or replacements to your dentures to ensure they fit properly in your mouth.
About the Practice
At Dental & Cosmetic Solutions, Dr. Andrea Csok and her team offer a wide array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments to maintain oral health and enhance smiles. Alongside these services, they provide dentures and other tooth replacement options to restore a natural-looking smile. If you’re curious about how to use denture adhesive or want to start your journey towards a healthier smile, visit Dental & Cosmetic Solutions’ website or call their office at (216) 292-3600 to schedule a consultation.