| Denture Adhesives: Do They Work? Do You Need Them?
Watch enough television and you could be convinced that everyone with dentures should be using an adhesive.
Talk to some dentists and you might be convinced that no one should use an adhesive.
The reality lies somewhere between the extremes.
"Denture adhesive may make it easier for patients to use dentures," says Donald Sadowsky, D.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D., a professor of dentistry at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. "Even if a denture fits well, some people, especially new denture wearers, find it difficult to get used to having it in their mouth and are concerned that it may slip or fall out. Using a denture adhesive can alleviate some of these worries and increase a person's confidence about wearing dentures."
However, adhesives should not be used to compensate for poorly fitting dentures, which should be relined or rebased by your dentist.
How do you know whether you need an adhesive or an adjustment? People who expect to need dentures soon should talk to their dentist about adhesives too. If you already have dentures, visit your dentist every six months to have them checked. If you notice changes in the comfort of your denture, set up an appointment as soon as possible. You may think you need an adhesive when you actually need an adjustment, such as a relining or rebasing of your denture.
"If you already wear dentures without using an adhesive, that doesn't mean that you wouldn't feel the difference and benefit from using it," Dr. Sadowsky says. "Using a denture adhesive sometimes provides additional comfort and security, and if this is the case, people shouldn't hesitate to use one.
"Powdered adhesives are less likely than paste adhesives to change the bite," he adds. "Powders are also easier to clean off dentures than pastes."
To use a powdered adhesive:
- Clean and rinse your denture.
- Shake a layer of the powder on the denture.
- Place the denture in your mouth.
How long the adhesive lasts depends on various factors. Adhesives usually are effective for a longer period of time in upper dentures. There are more opportunities for food and fluids to loosen a lower denture, which may be an indication to use the paste form for the lower denture.
"When the denture is removed, thoroughly clean it and then place it in water," Dr. Sadowsky says. "There are also special denture toothbrushes that are available to help keep dentures clean. They have very soft bristles and have been designed to help clean both sides of the dentures."
The bottom line: Practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, whether you use adhesives or not.
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