By 2050 there are expected to be two billion people aged 60 years or older. This is more than double today’s figure. The older you are, the more likely you are to have lost all, or nearly all, your natural teeth.

Research shows that around the world there are almost no guidelines on the proper use of denture adhesives by people who wear full dentures.

This means denture wearers can be left without any guidance on how best to use denture adhesives. Also, the advice on the type of adhesive to use, how to apply it, how much to use, how often to use it and how to remove it varies tremendously. Misusing or overusing adhesive may have consequences – but making the best use of it can improve quality of life, quality of diet and overall wellbeing for full-denture wearers.

Therefore, we have developed guidelines to guide dental health care professionals, caregivers and patients on the optimal use of denture adhesive creams. These are supported by best evidence and based on consensus from key international experts.

Key findings

The panel explored a number of issues about denture adhesives. Here are some of the conclusions:

  • Patient satisfaction has become a decisive factor for the overall success of prosthodontic treatment in full-denture wearers.
  • Denture adhesives can enhance the retention of, and reduce food accumulation beneath, well-fitting complete dentures.
  • Denture adhesives can be beneficial to the patient. They may enhance comfort, provide psychological satisfaction, increase confidence and thus wellbeing, while increasing retention and stability, and improving function.
  • The effectiveness of denture adhesives cannot compensate for significant denture deficiencies.
  • Dental professionals should provide guidance and instructions to the patient on the correct application and use of the adhesive, and on removing it and cleaning the denture.
  • The optimum time to advise on the use of an adhesive varies between patients. For well-fitting dentures it might occur at a review appointment, or for patients finding problems with compliance at the time of fitting or soon after.

Funding for the development of these guidelines was provided by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to the Oral Health Foundation. No editorial control, apart from ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory considerations/requirements, has been exercised by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.

Summary of guidelines

The guidelines are supported by best evidence and based on consensus from key international experts.

Four key steps to optimal denture care, summarised in the below and available in full here, were concluded:

    1. Make sure your denture is clean and dry. Put a small amount of denture adhesive cream onto it (you should only need to do this once a day).

    2. Put the denture into your mouth and firmly close the mouth for a couple of seconds. If the adhesive cream overflows you have used too much. Remove any spare adhesive, don’t swallow it. Don’t eat or drink anything for 5 minutes.

    3. Before you sleep, take your denture out. Clean the denture and the inside of your mouth thoroughly to remove any adhesive.

    4. Ask your dentist for a regular appointment so they can check your mouth and dentures.

Resources

Useful information

    Acknowledgements

    Funding for the development of these guidelines was provided by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to the Oral Health Foundation. No editorial control, apart from ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory considerations/requirements, has been exercised by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.

    Published:

    Updated:

    Author: George Bushell

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