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Denture Adhesives and Loose Dentures

When the subject of dentures comes up, people often think of commercials for denture adhesives. These commercials imply that everyone uses adhesives to keep their dentures in and that denture wearers run the risk of having dentures fall out at embarrassing times!

When considering dentures, it is important to remember that they are custom-made to fit your mouth precisely and comfortably. In fact, dentures that fit properly do not require denture adhesives to stay in place. One exception to this rule may be when your dentures are new. Your dentist may suggest using an denture adhesive while you get used to the denture.

As time goes on and your mouth changes with age, you may find that your dentures must be replaced. Your dentist will provide advice on this, which is one reason to continue regular checkups after you begin wearing dentures.

A loose denture is a sign that it no longer fits your mouth or works properly. If your dentures become loose, you should see your dentist immediately. Continuing to wear a poorly-fitting denture will cause irritation to your gums and mouth, and can lead to infection over time. If you persist in wearing dentures that do not fit, your mouth may change shape and your ability to eat the foods you want and like will diminish.

A tip to keep in mind: you may feel your denture slip when you laugh, smile, or cough, particularly when your dentures are new. This slippage is caused by air suddenly getting under your denture base and moving it. The longer you wear your denture and become more comfortable with it, the better able you will be to control its movement in these situations.

While many of us remember grandparents or other older friends and neighbors whose dentures did indeed slip or require denture adhesives, today's dentures benefit from advances in dental and materials technology. Dentists work with respected laboratories where trained technicians make your personal dentures to the specifications that your dentist has provided. A good fit is crucial to enjoying life with your new dentures, and to letting others continue to enjoy your smile!

by Thomas Warner, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

False Teeth - Usefulness of Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives enhance the retentive interface between the surface of a denture and the underlying tissues upon which false teeth rest.

Optimizing the Interface Space

There is a slight space at the interface between the inside of a denture and the jaw that is usually filled with saliva. As this gap increases, a denture becomes less retentive and stable.

The interface space arises because of material and fabrication limitations used in making a denture. This gap also is contributed to by the constant changing contour and shrinkage of jawbone.

While an interface space exists in all dentures and increases with time, optimum denture function and retention depends upon reducing it. Denture adhesives fill this increasing space, improve suction, and create a sticky contact between a denture and underlying surfaces. This also helps resist foods from collecting under the denture base.

How to Use Denture Adhesives

Thin paste adhesives are preferred to powders since they are already fluid and easier to manage and apply. However, some prefer powder types. Whatever works best for an individual should be used.

Pea-sized amounts of the paste may be placed in a few places within a denture where jaw ridges fit and where the roof of the mouth contacts. A thin film of adhesive spreads out as a denture seats in the mouth. Use the least amount to do the "job."

If excess amounts are necessary, then the opinion of a dentist should be sought since denture maintenance may be necessary. A licensed dentist should be routinely seen at six-month intervals for routine oral examinations and bite adjustments.

A person needs to experiment with how often to apply adhesives. Some apply it before meals while others function satisfactorily all day with one application.

A denture and mouth should be cleaned of all adhesives at least once a day, and the denture should be left out of a cleaned and rinsed mouth for at least an hour a day.

How to Clean Up Your Dentures

It can be difficult removing adhesives. The denture may be cleaned with a brush, soap, and running water, or with a little white distilled vinegar in water.

All adhesives should be removed from the mouth for hygienic purposes. Rinsing with extremely warm water or salt water helps removal. It may be necessary to use a soft toothbrush or wash cloth-like material to assist removal from the mouth tissues.

Advantages of Denture Adhesives

• Effectively fills the interface gap between a denture and underlying jaw.
• Provides a sense of security with wearing dentures, even with well-fitting dentures when additional confidence is desired.
• Facilitates acceptability and builds confidence with wearing new dentures.
• Reduces food impaction beneath dentures by closing prosthesis borders.
• Helps an individual open their mouth wider for more confident chewing (increases the chewing stroke), rather than eating with small strokes to compensate for concerns about the potential for a denture coming loose.
• Decreases the irritation and chafing of mouth tissues from habits such as grinding teeth together (parafunctional activities).
• Facilitates wearing dentures for individuals with persistent dry mouth (xerostomia).

Disadvantages of Adhesives

• Difficult to remove denture adhesive from the mouth and denture.
• A false sense of security that a denture is still satisfactory may develop from using adhesives with a poorly-fitting denture that should be relined, replaced, or maintained in different ways.

by Joseph J. Massad, D.D.S.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.