If you’ve heard of dentures, you may know they sometimes fit poorly and need extra support. Patients will often use adhesives to keep the prosthetic teeth secure. That said, maybe you don’t know how to use denture adhesive all that well. You needn’t worry; your local Newark dentist will gladly show you the ropes. So, read on to learn whether you need denture adhesive, how to apply it, and how best to remove it.
When Do You Need Denture Adhesive?
Not every patient requires denture adhesive, but the product can prove helpful for some folks. You likely need it if one (or more) of the following apply to you:
- You Prefer Security: You may get anxious if your denture seems loose or wobbly. In that case, an adhesive would improve security and give you a sense of comfort.
- You Strain Your Face: Public speakers, musicians, and others can strain their faces when using dentures. For such patients, an adhesive ensures stronger adhesion that lets them perform effectively.
- Your Mouth is Dry: Many denture patients experience dry mouth, whether due to age, medication, or health issues. An adhesive would fix adhesion problems that stem from dryness.
How to Apply Your Adhesive
While it can get tricky, applying a denture adhesive isn’t too hard. Anyone can get started once they’ve made sure the dentures are clean.
To apply an adhesive effectively, just stick to a few key rules. The first one is that you follow the instructions on the product’s packaging, as they’re tailored to the adhesive’s type. Next, you could apply the substance in short strips away from the edges if no directions are given. This second approach prevents potential oozing.
You don’t need to do much once the adhesive is applied. At that point, simply hold your dentures in place for a few seconds. They should then fit securely in your mouth.
How to Remove Your Adhesive
Removing your adhesive isn’t simple; you’ll need to loosen it first to avoid mishaps. To that end, repeatedly gargle salt water for 30-second periods.
You’ll need to be careful after you’ve finished gargling. For starters, loosen the dentures with a back-and-forth motion and release the top and bottom in succession. You can rinse both arches with lukewarm water once that’s done and brush them with a toothbrush. You should then soak the dentures in an effective cleansing solution.
Once you know how to use denture adhesive, your new prosthetic teeth will fit more comfortably. Remember that as you look after your restorations!
About the Practice
White Clay Dental Associates is based in Newark, DE. Led by Drs. Bond and Ganfield, our practice takes pride in providing personalized dentistry for all patients. We always tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your unique smile and its needs! That way, anyone who sees us will end their appointment with stronger and healthier teeth and gums. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (302)-731-4225.