Denture Adhesive. Which type is the best for you?

Denture adhesive…should you need it if you have a well-made denture? That is a question that is asked by many denture wearers. If we base our answers on published science, the answer is a resounding YES! Studies show that even if you have the best made denture in history, it will work even better with denture adhesive. Don’t believe me? Read on and let’s find out more about denture adhesives.

What is Denture Adhesive?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines denture adhesive as, “…pastes, powders or pads that may be placed in/on dentures to help them stay in place.” Put another way, adhesives are any variety of products applied to the underside of a denture for the purpose of helping them stick better, move less, or improve their overall function.

Adhesives have been used to improve denture performance for over 100 years, with their use being first reported as early as 1913. In 1935 the American Dental Association officially recognized denture adhesives as a non-medical product used for the purposes of dentistry.

Denture adhesives come in a variety of forms including dissolvable pastes, creams, and powders in addition to non-dissolvable strips, wafers, and horseshoes. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages which will be discussed later in our review.

Use of adhesive amongst denture wearers is common. Published studies have shown that nearly a quarter of denture patients use this product on a daily basis. Interestingly enough, most people use these products on their own accord as dentists are often reluctant to recommend the use of denture adhesive. In fact, only as few as 3.9% of adhesive users started using the product on the recommendation of their dentist.

Why are dentists so reluctant to recommend the use of denture adhesive?

Many dentists feel that recommending use of these products is an admission of incompetence or failure to construct a properly crafted denture. This feeling, however, is far from the truth. Studies have shown that no matter how well a denture is made, adhesives improve their performance in nearly all measured aspects. These facts are not lost on higher trained dental professionals as studies have shown dentists who take significant amounts of continuing education or have specialty training, such as prosthodontists, are more likely to recommend the use of denture adhesive compared to lesser trained dentists.

Why People Use Denture Adhesives

Let’s be clear – using adhesive doesn’t mean your dentures are bad or that something is wrong with you. It means you are human, trying to eat, talk, and live your best life with a piece of plastic in your mouth.

Denture adhesives help in the following ways:

They create better denture adherence.
There is nothing worse than your denture flopping out of your mouth. It is embarrassing and frustrating. This is the number one reason why denture wearers use adhesive.
They create a better denture seal.
This keeps food particles from slipping underneath and irritating your gums.
They improve denture stability.
Even a well-fitting denture can lift or slide during chewing or talking – especially on the lower jaw. Adhesive gives it extra grip.
They improve denture chewing ability.
A denture that is more stable creates better tooth contact. Better tooth contact leads to better chewing ability when eating food.
They improve denture speaking ability.
Stable dentures that have a good seal make it easier to speak with your dentures.
They improve denture comfort.
Dentures that move less and have better stability during function tend to rub gum tissues less which reduces the chances of developing sore spots.
They boost confidence.
You don’t want to worry about your dentures clicking, shifting, or popping loose in public. Adhesive gives you peace of mind.

Science Proves Denture Adhesives Work

There have been tons of studies on denture adhesives. With these products having been around for over 100 years, this is not surprising! Universally, studies on these products in all corners of the world show that adhesives improve the fit, stability, comfort, speech, and chewing ability of dentures. These findings were consistent, even if the dentures were well-made. Because of these improvements when denture adhesive is used, a majority of patients report improved self-confidence when using the product and most indicated they would continue to use it in the future.

Of the studies that have evaluated denture adhesive, they have found:

Improvement in stability/retention: +79.2%
Improvement in chewing ability: +82.2%
Improvement in speaking ability: +55.7 – 67.8%
Improvement in comfort: +56.2 – 71.9%
Less food impaction beneath denture: -357%

Oftentimes, when people complain about their dentures in online forums, others will note that if a denture is well-made no adhesive should be needed. Is this true? To answer this question, we should rely on science for the best answers. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis studies are highly reliable publications that analyze previously published research for differences, similarities, trends, and consistent findings. In the last 5 years, multiple published meta-analyses and reviews consistently show that adhesives improve nearly all aspects of denture function no matter how well they are made.

For example, one particular study evaluated patients with good, ok, and poor fitting dentures for changes in bite force when chewing food. Additionally, paste (cream), powder, and strip products were compared to one another. The findings were:

	Powder	Paste	Strips
Good Fit	+38.3%	+142.3%	+29.8%
Ok Fit	+95.8%	+185.6%	+77.3%
Poor Fit	+209%	+337%	+199%

Changes in bite force for different fitting dentures with different denture adhesives.

Older Dentures not Fitting as Well as they Once Did? Denture Adhesive may Help!

It is well documented that following tooth removal, bone loss in the jaws continually decreases the amount of support available for dentures. As this process continues over time, your dentures lose their intimate fit to the ridges of your jaws, and they become loose. This causes dentures to move during function, lose their retention, and pack food against your gums when eating.

If you have been wearing dentures for a while, you may have noticed that they fit worse at time goes on. You can thank bone loss in your jaws for this! Ugh. A quick, simple, and low-cost solution to dentures that have become loose due to bone loss is denture adhesive. While this product may improve the fit, retention, chewing efficiency, speaking ability, and comfort of your dentures, it is important to monitor how much adhesive you are using. If you find that are consistently needing more and more of this product to keep your dentures stable, it may be time to replace your choppers. Remember, it is recommended that dentures be replaced every 5 years.

Here is the bottom line: even if your denture was made perfectly on day one, your gums and bone continue to shrink over time. That means what once fit like a glove may now feel loose. Adhesive can help fill the gap – literally and figuratively. For more information about dentures and bone loss, click here.

Denture Adhesives are Safe

Numerous published studies have consistently shown that denture adhesives are safe to use. Specifically, a 2015 study systematic review published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry noted, “No scientific evidence supports the statement that denture adhesives, when properly used, can cause oral pathoses, excessive bone resorption, or alterations in the patient’s vertical dimension, occlusion, or taste.“

Additionally, research articles have shown that adhesives do not increase the amount of bacterial or fungal accumulations on dentures, nor do they alter the microflora of the oral cavity.

While these products are generally safe to use, a small percentage of patients have reported allergic reactions to denture adhesive. Signs of allergy to these products include red, itchy, and inflamed gums after use. If you are experiencing any these symptoms, discontinue use of the product and schedule an appointment with your dentist for further evaluation.

It is also important to note that it is recommended to avoid denture adhesives that contain zinc. Excessive or prolonged use of zinc-containing products have been linked to copper deficiency due to the zinc’s interference with absorption of this important mineral. Copper deficiency has been linked to neurological issues such as numbness, tingling, loss of balance, and muscle weakness in addition to anemia and bone marrow suppression. Fortunately, most commercially available denture adhesives are zinc-free. To be safe, it is recommended to check the ingredients of the product you are purchasing to ensure that it is zinc-free.

Different Types of Denture Adhesives Explained

There are three main types of denture adhesive: creams (paste), powders, and strips (or wafers, pads). Each has its pros and cons. Here is what you need to know.

1. Creams (aka Pastes)

This is the most common type of adhesive. You squeeze it from a tube and apply it directly to your denture in small strips or dots.

Pros:
Strong hold. Cushions your gums. Lasts through meals. Widely available.
Cons:
Can get messy if over-applied. May ooze. Takes a little trial and error to use the right amount.
Best for:
All-day wearers, heavy chewers, people who want max grip.

Adhesive paste applied to tissue surfaces of upper and lower dentures.

2. Powders

Sprinkle a thin layer onto a wet denture base, press it into place, and you’re done. Powder forms a light seal when it mixes with your saliva.

Pros:
Easy cleanup. Less messy than cream. Gentler on sore spots or dry mouth.
Cons:
Powder can be messy if applied carelessly.
Best for:
People with sensitive gums or dry mouth. Occasional users.

Adhesive powder being applied to tissue surface of a denture.

3. Strips or Pads

These are pre-cut adhesive sheets you wet and stick to the denture. No squeezing or spreading required.

Pros:
Clean and simple. Great for travel or people with arthritis or low grip strength.
Cons:
Lightest hold. May not cover the entire surface of large dentures.
Best for:
Convenience. Beginners. People with shaky hands or limited dexterity.

Denture with adhesive strips being applied to tissue surface.

Quick Comparison Table

The following table provides a general overview of the different types of adhesives:

Type	Hold Strength	Mess Level	Ease of Use	Ideal For
Cream	Strong	Medium	Moderate	All-day wear, secure grip
Powder	Light–Moderate	Low – Medium	Easy	Sensitive gums, dry mouth
Strips	Light – Moderate	Very low	Easiest	Travel, limited dexterity

Which Adhesive Works Best for Your Needs

Let’s cut through the noise: the best product is the one that fits your lifestyle, not just what’s popular or cheapest. What works great for your neighbor might be a mess for you.

Here’s a simple guide based on how you use your dentures:

Your Situation	Best Choice
You wear dentures all day and eat full meals	Cream – strongest hold
You have dry mouth or sensitive gums	Powder – gentle seal
You only wear dentures part-time or for short events	Strips/Pads – easy, clean
You want zero cleanup and travel a lot	Strips/Pads – low mess
You don’t like goopy texture or taste	Powder – less bulk
You talk a lot (teaching, public speaking)	Cream – most stable
You have sore spots on your gums	Strips/Pads – provide cushioning effect

Customizing Hold with Mixes of Different Products
Many denture wearers have found great success with mixing different combinations of adhesive products. Some people like to apply cream to their denture and then sprinkle powder on top while others like to do this with strips and powder. Anecdotally, some denture wearers swear by these combinations and note that they have been game-changers for them.

It is important to note that mixing products is generally not recommended by most manufacturers and that doing so is at your own risk.

Tips for Applying and Removing Adhesive

Using adhesive isn’t hard – but many people use way too much and end up with a goopy mess. Here’s how to get it right.

Tips for Product Application

Creams

Start with three small pea-sized dots or short strips on the upper denture (front and both sides) in addition to a bit in the middle (palate) of the underside of the denture. For the lower denture, apply three pea-sized dots or short strips on the sides and front of the underside of the denture.
Don’t spread it out. Let the pressure of your bite do the work.
Press dentures firmly into place, then bite down and hold for 10–15 seconds.
If you apply too much cream, you will find that it “squishes out” from the underside of your denture. Wipe away the excess cream and use less on your next application of the product.

Powders

Sprinkle a light, even layer onto a wet denture base.
Shake off the excess. It is best to do this over a paper towel for easy clean up.
Seat the denture, then bite and hold for a few seconds.
If you apply too much powder, you will find that it “squishes out” from the underside of your denture. Wipe away the excess product and use less on your next application.

Strips or Pads

Trim to fit if needed.
Moisten with a few drops of water.
Press into place, then apply the denture and bite gently.

General Tips

Always apply to clean, dry dentures.
Wait 15–30 minutes before eating or drinking.
If it oozes out, you used too much.

Tips for Product Removal

While there is no universally recommended way to remove adhesive from dentures and tissue surfaces of the mouth, denture wearers have creatively used numerous methods with individual levels of success. Some of these removal techniques are:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or plain warm water to loosen the seal
Gently rock the denture loose
Rinse your mouth with warm water to make the product more malleable and then peel it off
Alternatively, some people recommend rinsing the mouth with cold water to “stiffen” the product and then peel it off
When removing product, use dry cloth, gauze, or paper towel to wipe or peel away from your gums and denture
If you don’t use cloth, gauze, or paper towels to remove product, you can brush your dentures with water, soap, toothpaste, or adhesive removal creams
Never scrape with fingernails, spoons, or hard objects
After removing all product from the denture, be sure to clean your dentures
After removing all product, be sure to clean your gums and mouth

For tips on cleaning your dentures and mouth, click here.

When to Consider Switching Adhesive or Seeing Your Dentist

Adhesive can do a lot, but it’s not a magic fix for a bad fit. If you find yourself piling it on just to get through lunch, that’s a red flag.

Here’s how to know when it’s time to make a change.

Signs It’s Time to Try a New Adhesive

Your dentures are not remaining stable as long as you would like
The taste, texture, or smell bothers you
Your food tastes differently than before
The product leaks out or feels slimy no matter how little you use
You’ve developed sore spots or gum irritation

Switching to a different product type, such as going from cream to powder, may help. Some people even find that brand matters (Fixodent^TM vs. Secure^TM vs. Poligrip^TM, etc.). Furthermore, some people finding that mixing products to create a “custom” adhesive works best for them. It is important to note that most manufacturers do not recommend mixing their products with others, so doing so is at your own risk.

Signs It’s Time to See Your Dentist

Dentures shift, rock, or fall out even with product use
You’re using more product than you did 3 months ago
You avoid eating or talking in public because of denture slippage
You’ve had the same dentures for 5+ years with no adjustments
You notice red spots, sores, or pressure ulcers on your gums

Dentures that used to fit well may loosen over time as your jawbone shrinks – a process called bone resorption. Adhesive can help for a while, but at some point, you need a reline, rebase, or even a replacement.

FAQs

Are zinc-free products better?
Zinc is often added to denture adhesives because it enhances retentive properties. Unfortunately, zinc interferes with copper absorption and long-term or excessive use of zinc containing products have been found to cause health problems such as anemia and neurologic disorders. While most modern brands are zinc-free, some older products still contain this additive. It is important to check your product ingredients for zinc. Today, most major brands offer zinc-free options, and they’re considered safer for daily wear.

Can I use adhesive with new dentures?
When dentures are delivered immediately following teeth removal, it is not recommended to wear denture adhesive as the product has the potential to seep into healing dental extraction sites. As healing continues, the bones and gums change shape and typically shrink. This causes immediately delivered dentures to lose their retention and intimate fit. In such situations, use of adhesive may help your denture fit better and have stronger retention until your dentist performs a reline.

Click here for information about immediate dentures.

How often should I reapply product during the day?
If applied correctly, once a day should be enough. If you need to reapply multiple times, talk to your dentist. That’s often a sign that your denture needs adjusting or even replacement.

Is it safe to sleep with product on my dentures?
No. Always remove your dentures and clean off adhesive before bed. Sleeping with dentures in your mouth raises your risk for gum infections, sore spots, and increased bone loss.

Choose What Feels Best for You

The “best” denture adhesive isn’t about the brand on the box – it’s about what feels right in your mouth, helps you eat with confidence, and gets you through the day without worry.

Try different types and switch it up if something doesn’t feel right. If no particular product seems to do the trick, it’s probably time to visit your dentist and take a closer look at the fit of your denture.