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How to Apply Denture Adhesive

Polident Denture Cleanser and Super Poligrip Denture Adhesive

Denture Adhesives: What, Why, and How to Apply

What is denture adhesive?

Denture adhesive is a product that helps your denture fit securely and comfortably in your mouth. They can come in multiple forms—including creams, powders and pastes.i Poligrip® denture adhesive is actually available in all three forms.

How does denture adhesive work?

When you use denture adhesive, water or your saliva interacts with the ingredients in the adhesive, causing it to expand and become sticky, forming a kind of glue. This helps the adhesive bond tightly to your denture and gum tissue, helping to keep dentures securely in place.i

Why use denture adhesives?

In most cases, properly fitted dentures won’t need extra adhesive to help them stay in place.ii It is strongly recommended that you consult your dentist or dental professional with any questions or concerns you may have. However, there are a few reasons why you might choose to use adhesive for your dentures.

  • Bone shrinkage: changes in the mouth’s bone structure can cause your denture to become loose over time. Adhesives can help to fill any gaps caused by shrinking bone and temporarily tighten loosening dentures. Contact your dentist to address any changes.ii
  • Increased confidence and comfort: some people may use an adhesive to help increase stability in their dentures fit and avoid slippage – particularly in social situations that involve a lot of speaking and eating.iii
  • Oral hygiene: denture adhesives can help to seal out food particles and stop them from getting trapped under loose dentures. Visit your dental professional, as directed, to assure good oral health.iii

No matter what the reason for use, it’s important to apply denture adhesives properly. Follow the steps below and be sure to always read the complete directions on the product label to learn the best way to apply denture adhesive — from creams to powders and strips.

Find out more about the different types of adhesives.

 

 

How to Apply Denture Adhesive

DENTURE ADHESIVE CREAM

Denture Adhesive Cream
point number 1

Clean your dentures using Polident® for Partials Clean & Protect Cleanser Tablets. Dry them afterwards.

point number 2

Apply adhesive in short strips, not too close to the partials edges. Avoid applying too much, or oozing may occur. 

point number 3

Rinse mouth before inserting dentures.

point number 4

Press denture into place, hold firmly, and bite down for a few seconds to secure hold.

**Follow directions for use from product label

DENTURE ADHESIVE POWDER

point number 1

Clean denture with Polident® thoroughly and leave wet.

point number 2

Spray powder very lightly and evenly onto denture surfaces coming into contact with gums or roof of mouth.

point number 3

Rinse mouth before inserting dentures.

point number 4

Thoroughly shake off any excess powder.

point number 5

Press dentures into place, hold firmly, and bite down for a few seconds to secure hold.

** Follow directions for use from product label.

Denture Adhesive Powder

DENTURE ADHESIVE STRIPS

Denture Adhesive Strips
point number 1

Clean your dentures with Polident® and dry them afterwards.

point number 2

With dry hands, peel open and remove strips.

point number 3

Lightly moisten one strip at a time with water.

point number 4

Place strips as shown, not too close to the denture edges. Do not overlap strips (tear strips as needed).

point number 5

Rinse mouth with water before inserting denture.

point number 6

Press denture in place, hold firmly and bite down.

** Follow directions for removal product label.

Always follow label instructions.

Super Poligrip® adhesives help hold dentures for up to 12 hours. If you find your  dentures loosening, talk to your dentist.

How to Remove Denture Adhesive?

While it’s important to know how to properly apply your adhesive, it’s equally vital that you learn how to remove it.

Watch our short video below to discover the best way to easily and safely remove your denture adhesive. 

How to Remove Denture Adhesive

  1. Swish warm water in your mouth, then carefully remove your denture using a rocking motion.
  2. Remove the remaining adhesive with warm water and a soft-bristled brush.
  3. Before storing them, make sure to properly clean and soak your denture with a cleansing solution like Polident® Ultra Power Denture Cleanser, which kills 99.99%† of odor-causing bacteria.
  4. Finally, place your dentures in a glass of water to keep them from drying out or losing their shape. 

†In laboratory test

** Follow directions for removal product label.

SOURCES

  1. Denture Adhesives in Prosthodontics: An Overview. Journal of International Oral Health 2015; 7(Suppl 1):93-95. Kumar PR et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4516076/pdf/JIOH-7-93.pdf. Accessed 08/01/20.
  2. Denture adhesives. US Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/denture-adhesives. Accessed 08/01/20.
  3. Denture adhesive guidelines. Oral Health Foundation. https://www.dentalhealth.org/dentureadhesives. Accessed 08/01/20.

Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.