Here are some tips to consider when applying denture adhesives:
Use the minimum amount necessary to provide the maximum benefit. Apply less
than you think you need, and then gradually increase the amount until you feel
comfortable.
Distribute the adhesive evenly on the tissue bearing surface of the
denture
Apply or reapply when necessary to provide the desired effect
Always apply the adhesive to a thoroughly clean denture
Remember adhesives work best with a well-fitting denture.
What Are the Types of Denture Adhesives?
Paste application. Apply this denture adhesive to a dry or preferably wet denture. Avoid
placing adhesive close to the denture borders. If the adhesive oozes, use less
of the product. For dentures on the upper jaw, apply three short strips of
adhesive-or a series of small dots-along the ridge area and one down the
center. For dentures on the lower jaw, apply three short strips of adhesive -- or
a series of small dots -- in the center of the ridge area.
Powder application. Sprinkle a thin, uniform layer throughout the
tissue-bearing surface of the denture. Shake off excess powder and press the
denture into place. Powders may be preferred over pastes because they are
easier to clean off the denture and tissue. In addition, they don't have the
same tendency as pastes do to "shim" (keep the denture away from the
tissue).
Are Denture Adhesives Safe?
Dental adhesives are safe as long as they are used as directed. If the denture is well-fitting and the adhesive is only used to give
added stability, there should be no ill effects. If adhesives are used
excessively to fill voids for an ill-fitting denture, they can be harmful to
the underlying soft and hard tissues. Occasionally, in these cases,
inflammation of the soft tissues can result. In addition, because of its
movement on the soft tissue and underlying bone, an ill-fitting denture can
cause bone loss.
There are a variety of diseases and conditions that can cause tongue problems, discoloration, and soreness. Though most tongue problems are not serious. Conditions such as leukoplakia, oral thrush, and oral lichen planus may cause a white tongue while Kawasaki syndrome, scarlet fever, and geographic tongue may cause the tongue to appear red. A black hairy tongue may be caused by overgrown papillae on the tongue. Canker sores, smoking, and trauma may cause soreness of the tongue.
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus. Symptoms of Thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and non-prescription drugs. Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst, sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth, cracked lips, a dry feeling in the throat, a b urning or tingling sensation in the mouth, and a dry, red, raw tongue.
The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches inside the mouth, bleeding, loose teeth, pain upon swallowing, a lump in the neck, earache, and a sore on your lip or in your mouth that won't heal are all symptoms of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer depends upon the staging of the disease and usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Canker sore is a small ulcer crater in the lining of the mouth. Canker sores are one of the most
common problems that occur in the mouth. Canker sores typically last for
10-14 days and they heal without leaving a scar.
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding. Bruxism may be caused by stress or anxiety and often happens during sleep. Symptoms and signs include jaw pain, headache, and abnormalities in your teeth. Treatment may involve practicing stress-management techniques, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, avoiding gum chewing, training oneself not to grind the teeth, and wearing a mouth guard.
Bad breath can result from poor oral hygien habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be made worse by the types of food you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Gum problems may be caused by improper brushing and flossing, gum disease, canker sores, treatments and hormonal changes. Symptoms of gum problems include red, swollen, sore and bleeding gums. These symptoms can be prevented by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking enough water, not smoking, and relaxing.
Osteoporosis may be linked to bone loss in the jaw, which in turn, leads to tooth loss. Low bone density may result in ill-fitting dentures, tooth loss, and gum disease. Dental X-rays may be able to distinguish people with osteoporosis from those with normal bone density.