Appropriate And Inappropriate Uses Of Denture Adhesives
Denture slippage is a real problem afflicting many denture users. Luckily, denture adhesives can work wonders when faced with dentures that just won't seem to say put. Yet this is only true so long as you're using the adhesive appropriately. This article will explain the uses and abuses of denture adhesive.
Appropriate Uses of Denture Adhesives
The reasons for denture slippage aren't always clear. It can happen even to those whose who get their dentures checked for proper fit on a regular basis. In such cases, denture adhesives offer distinct benefits. Not only will they help to increase adherence, but they will also increase your potential bite force. Likewise, they help to boost your psychological security by lessening the amount of time you spend worrying about your dentures coming loose.
Denture adhesives are also useful in reducing slippage caused by the condition known as xerostomia, which you may know by its familiar name of chronic dry mouth. It is relatively common for those getting on in years to experience some degree of xerostomia. That said, certain lifestyle habits tend to exacerbate the condition. These include:
- smoking or other forms of tobacco use
- excessive consumption of alcohol and or caffeine
- prescription medicines
- neurological conditions
Xerostomia is characterized by a decrease in the mouth's ability to produce saliva. Saliva plays an important role in forming a bond between your gums and your dentures. Thus, dry mouth tends to indirectly affect the adherence of dentures. Using a denture adhesive is not only effective but also a safe way to work around this frustrating condition.
Inappropriate Uses of Denture Adhesives
Over time, dentures tend to take a pretty good beating. Even when they manage to stay intact after years of use, they may have become fatigued in ways that prevent them from fitting correctly against your gums. Many people choose to use denture adhesives to counteract such problems. Unfortunately, this sort of misuse only masks the true issues at hand.
Keep in mind that the shape of your mouth is not a static thing. Rather, it is undergoing slow but constant changes--changes not only to your gum tissue, but also to the underlying jawbone. As these problems worsen, denture adhesives will becomes less and less effective.
If denture slippage has recently started to become a problem for you, your first step should be to consult with your dentist on the subject. It may be that the time has come to fit a new set of dentures for your mouth.
For more information, contact TLC Dental Center or a similar location.
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