Denture Adhesive: Best Types & How to Use Them

What is Denture Adhesive?

Denture adhesives are a temporary glue that can help dentures stay in place. Most people don’t need to use denture adhesives if their dentures fit properly. But the bones that support dentures  can gradually shrink and cause dentures to become loose over time. 

Denture adhesives can be used to fill these gaps, allowing dentures to fit better while you’re waiting for a new set of dentures to be made.¹

Types of Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives come in different forms:^1,2

• Powders
• Pastes
• Adhesive pads
• Creams
• Sheets or strips

Benefits of Denture Adhesives

In a 2021 systemic review, researchers concluded that denture adhesives improve retention, bite force, and chewing ability. ³

Denture adhesives may also:⁴

• Help reduce the accumulation of food debris between dentures and gum tissue
• Make dentures feel more comfortable and stable
• Give people more confidence when wearing dentures

Who Shouldn’t Use Denture Glue?

If your dentures don’t fit well or haven’t fit well for a long time, talk to a dentist instead of continuing to use denture adhesives. Wearing ill-fitting dentures can cause mouth sores and lead to increased bone loss over time.¹

If you are a first time denture wearer, or have just received a brand new set of dentures, avoid using denture adhesives immediately. At this stage, denture adhesives can act as a crutch, preventing your muscles from learning how to manipulate the new dentures.  

Talk to a dental professional or doctor and stop using denture adhesives if you experience pain, numbness, or tingling in your extremities or any kind of allergic reaction.

What is the Best Denture Adhesive? 

Picking the best denture adhesive can be difficult because there are so many products available. 

But in general, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) recommends avoiding denture adhesives that contain zinc. Long-term, excessive use of adhesives with zinc can cause adverse reactions like nerve damage, tingling, or numbness.¹

Here are three of the best denture adhesives you can buy:

1. Fixodent Complete Original 

Fixodent Complete Original is one of the best denture adhesives because it is the strongest denture adhesive and provides all-day hold. It also creates a solid seal to reduce the amount of food and debris that gets between the gum tissue and dentures. It can be used for both partial or full dentures. 

Check Price on Amazon

It is, however, mint-flavored and may alter the taste of food. Fixodent does contain zinc, though not as much as many other products. Do not use this product more than once per day and use only a small amount each time. One tube of Fixodent should last around 7 to 8 weeks.

To use this product, apply the adhesive in small strips to the inside of clean, dry dentures (not more than six strips or a total of 3 inches long). Insert dentures into the mouth and bite down or hold them in place for a few seconds.

2. Super Poligrip Original Formula Zinc Free Denture and Partials Adhesive Cream 

This includes pure and natural ingredients like silver, magnetic earth, and essential oils. This mouthwash is safe for sensitive mouths and painful mouth sores.

Check Price on Amazon

Super Poligrip Original Formula Zinc Free denture adhesive cream is a top recommendation because it is zinc free. This adhesive cream provides a 12-hour hold and reduces the amount of food particles that become trapped between the gum tissue and dentures. It is recommended for people with complete or partial dentures. 

To use, apply a thin layer of product onto the inside lining of dentures. Before inserting dentures with adhesive, thoroughly rinse out the mouth with water. After rinsing, place the dentures in your mouth and hold them for a few seconds.

3. Secure Waterproof Denture Adhesive – Zinc Free 

This includes pure and natural ingredients like silver, magnetic earth, and essential oils. This mouthwash is safe for sensitive mouths and painful mouth sores.

Check Price on Amazon

Secure Waterproof Denture Adhesive – Zinc Free denture adhesive cream is unique in that it is a truly waterproof denture adhesive. Most denture adhesives use water-soluble formulas. 

This product is also 100% flavor-free, so it won’t change the taste of foods. Unlike most denture adhesives, this product also does not contain petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or artificial colors or dyes.

To use Secure dental adhesive products, apply 2 to 3 pearl-sized portions of the cream to the inside of the denture. Spread them across the dentures uniformly. Make sure your mouth is dry beforehand to create a stronger bond. 

The manufacturer suggests cleaning your dentures with Secure Dental Cleanser to properly remove their adhesive product.

How to Apply Denture Adhesives

The precise instructions on how to use denture adhesives may differ depending on the form of adhesive.

In most cases, to apply a denture adhesive:⁴

• Place a small amount of adhesive onto clean, dry dentures
• Put the denture in your mouth and close your mouth or bite down firmly for a few seconds
• If extra adhesive overflows from underneath the dentures, you used too much (do not swallow it) 
• Do not drink or eat anything for at least 5 minutes

How to Remove Denture Adhesive

Most people should take their dentures out at night while they sleep.

To remove dentures with adhesive:⁴

1. Firmly grasp onto dentures and pull them out. You can also fill the mouth with warm water and create a rocking motion to loosen dentures.
2. Thoroughly brush dentures using a soft brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner (not toothpaste). Make sure that all adhesive is removed. 
3. Thoroughly clean the inside of your mouth to remove any remaining adhesive.
4. Soak dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution in lukewarm to warm (never hot) water.