Denture adhesives can be obtained in powder, cream, or liquid form. They increase denture retention between dentures and gums.
Even if a new denture has been made flawlessly, a patient may still need to use a denture adhesive. There are several reasons for this. First, it will improve retention and chewing. It also will help with dry mouth (if the patient has Xerostomia). If the patient has suffered a stroke or bone loss beneath the gum, an adhesive will help a great deal.
When it comes to choosing which denture adhesive to use, patients should avoid pads and cushions because they alter denture bite. Powders do not last as long as creams, but they are easier to clean off your gums and dentures. Any questions should be directed to one's dentist, who can provide guidance in making the right choice.
Different types of denture adhesives are applied with different methods. Powder adhesives should be applied by cleaning and wetting the mouth and the denture. A thin layer of powder should be tapped over the entire tissue side of the denture.
The excess should be gently shaken off, and the denture inserted and pressed in place for 5 seconds. Teeth should be closed and clenched tightly for 10 seconds. Patients with dry mouth should first coat their mouths with saliva substitute or water before placing their dentures.
For denture creams, apply 5 pea-sized dabs of adhesive equally spaced to the side of the upper denture that contacts the gums. Apply 3 pea-sized dabs for the lower denture. Patients with dry mouth should immerse the denture in cool water for 30 seconds so the adhesive can soak up moisture.
The dentures should be inserted and pressed in place for 5 seconds with the fingers. The patient should then swallow and clench their teeth together tightly for 10 seconds. When the proper amount of cream has been used, only a little should ooze out from under the denture borders. Over time one discovers the exact amount of cream to use.
Cleaning denture adhesives can be done several ways. Powder adhesives can be brushed out with warm water, and powder can also be brushed away from the gums. Creams are more difficult to remove. It is necessary to scrub under the denture with very warm water like a denture brush.
If it is hard to remove an adhesive, soak it overnight and then brush it. Some people use an electric toothbrush while the denture is immersed in a sink of warm water. Hot water held in the mouth will soften cream adhesive, which can then be scrub out with a moistened washcloth that is wrapped around a finger.
Even with dentures, regular checkups are still very important. Many people assume that you do not need to see your dentist. This is a dangerous myth. Dentists do more than work on teeth. The supporting tissues underneath dentures, for instance, will continue to change throughout your life.
As gums shrink, both dentures and gums will become mismatched. Many people will not notice this is happening until the mismatch becomes so severe that it requires surgery to rectify. The dentist can detect these problems early on and deal with them. The dentist can also check for oral cancer, which threatens 50 percent of people with dentures.
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