How to Keep Bottom Dentures in Place

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In most cases, bottom dentures should stay adhered to your mouth thanks to suction and a thin layer of saliva. But, if your dentures still feel loose, using a dental adhesive or adjusting your lifestyle to become more denture-friendly may help. Try one or several options to determine which method best secures your dentures to the bottom of your mouth. If your bottom dentures still slip after taking these precautions, visit your dentist to discuss refitting options.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Choosing a Denture Adhesive

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  1. Of all adhesive options, denture creams are most common and tend to offer the best grip. Denture creams come in a variety of flavors and adhesive strengths. Choose the one that meets your preferences best from your local pharmacy. [1]
    • In comparison to adhesive powders and wafers, denture creams tend to offer the best retentive properties.
  2. Dentures usually rely on a thin layer of saliva to adhere to the gums. If you suffer from oral dryness, your bottom dentures may not fit as securely. Denture powders are ideal for those with dry mouths, as they adhere firmly to the gums for up to 12-18 hours at a time. [2]
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  3. Denture wafers are usually tasteless and ideal for those who dislike strong flavors or textures. They also offer a more secure denture fit for individuals with narrow or flat jaws. If you meet either of these descriptions, denture wafers might be the most comfortable option. [3]
    • Wafers tend to be the least retentive of all denture adhesive options. [4]
  4. Excessive zinc intake can deteriorate your health over time, causing nerve damage and numbness to the extremities. Check the ingredients list on the denture adhesive before purchasing it to avoid buying products made with zinc. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Applying Denture Adhesives

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  1. The denture adhesive will adhere best to your bottom dentures if they are clean and dry. Brush your denture with a specialized brush, then soak them in a denture cleaning solution. Dry your dentures off with a towel before applying the cream to prevent slippage. [6]
  2. Apply 3-4 dots or strips of denture cream along the bottom of the inner lining. Avoid placing the creams too near to the edge of the dentures. Adding dots to the center will help the dentures stay more tightly adhered. [7]
    • Start with a smaller amount of denture cream and apply more if needed.
  3. Place the dentures on a flat surface and hold the powder bottle directly overhead. Gently tap or shake the bottle over the dentures, covering the entire surface that touches the gums in an even layer of powder.
    • A fine coating is usually enough to adhere the dentures to your gums. Shake your bottom dentures to remove any extra coating, then tap them while holding them upside down.
  4. Place a denture wafer strip over your bottom dentures and cut it to the shape of your dentures' gumline. Trim away any overlapping areas until the fit is as close as possible, then place the denture wafer inside the gumline. [8]
  5. Hold the dentures against your bottom gums firmly and bite down for several seconds. This should secure the adhesive's hold for the whole day. If your bottom dentures start to slip at any point, apply more denture adhesive as needed. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Practicing Good Denture Habits

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  1. Sometimes, especially if you're new to wearing dentures, talking too quickly can dislodge them. Focus on enunciating each word clearly and slowly. If your bottom dentures start to slip while you talk, bite down and swallow to shift them back in place. [10]
    • Make a mental note of which words or sounds tend to make your dentures move around so you can practice them in private.
  2. Taking good care of your dentures will help prevent them from losing their shape. Thoroughly clean them in the morning with warm water and a soft-bristle brush. [11]
    • Never use toothpaste or household cleaners on your dentures. Any cleaners that are not made for dentures can ruin them.
  3. Soak your dentures every night in a denture cleaner mixed with warm water. The cleaner must be specially made for dentures, as other cleaners can eat at their shape over time. Never place your dentures in hot or boiling water, as this can cause your dentures' shape to warp over time.
  4. If your bottom dentures tend to come loose while eating, try taking small bites of soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes. Chew on both sides of your mouth to prevent your dentures from tipping or shifting as you eat. [12]
    • Eggs, applesauce, soup, smoothies, sherbets, and rice are all great soft foods to eat with dentures. [13]
    • If your dentures cause pain or soreness while you're eating, they may be ill-fitting. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get your dentures adjusted. [14]
  5. If dentures are worn for 24 hours a day, they can wear down your cheekbone volume and density. Over time, this can drastically alter your face shape and ruin the overall fit of your dentures. Take your dentures out every night while you sleep to give your mouth some needed rest. [15]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Discussing Issues with Your Dentist

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  1. Most dentists suggest that individuals with dentures come in for an annual checkup to test for sizing issues. Getting a checkup at least once a year will help your bottom dentures stay in ideal shape. If your dentures feel loose before the year is up, schedule an appointment early to discuss possible causes with your dentist. [16]
  2. If your bottom dentures are constantly loose, your dentist may suggest relining your dentures. Relining involves adding a layer of material into the dentures to mold to your gums. This is a common fix for loose dentures if they are still in good condition and the patient is not yet due for a new pair. [17]
    • Depending on your needs, your dentist might do a temporary or permanent relining.
  3. The lifespan for most pairs of dentures is about 5 years. After that much time has passed, talk to your dentist about getting a new set of dentures. [18]
    • If your bottom dentures are damaged or loose enough that your dentist feels that relining won't help, they might suggest getting a new pair of dentures.
  4. Although more expensive than conventional dentures, tooth implants are the best at mimicking real teeth and do not come loose. [19] Ask your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for dental implants and, if so, how much the surgery would cost. [20]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why are my bottom dentures loose?
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Expert Answer
    Your gums may have shrunk, so there's not enough bone or bony architecture to support the denture. What ends up happening is that these dentures become a lot more "loose" because they're not sitting over a solid foundation.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 25
  • Question
    What is the easiest way to keep my dentures in place?
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Dr. Lewis Chen is a licensed Dentist in both New York and New Jersey, specializing in providing high-quality oral care in the form of preventative care. He holds an Economics degree from New York University. Dr. Chen earned his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He graduated top of his class with the highest honors and distinction and was nominated and inducted into the only renowned, national dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU). He then completed a comprehensive training program at the Bronx VA Medical Center and, shortly after, decided to pursue multiple practice ownership and management. Dr. Chen has acquired numerous accolades over the years, including New York Academy of Dentistry Exemplary Professional Conduct Award, Academy of General Dentistry Outstanding General Practitioner Award, American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award, and Pierre Fauchard Foundation Award.
    Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE
    Licensed Dentist
    Expert Answer
    Try an over-the-counter denture adhesive. Apply the adhesive to your gums, and then place the dentures on top. This way, you will get a little more retention.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 35
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      Warnings

      • Avoid drinking hot liquids with your bottom dentures in place, as heat can loosen denture adhesives.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 7
      • These steps are not meant to strengthen the grip of ill-fitting dentures. If your lower dentures are constantly falling off, visit your dentist for potential adjustments. [21]
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        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257938/
      2. ↑ https://www.mmlearn.org/hubfs/docs/MM%20powerpoint%20template_Adhesives.pdf
      3. ↑ https://healthfully.com/use-hold-bottom-dentures-place-8540285.html
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257938/
      5. ↑ http://www.toothclub.gov.hk/en/en_adu_01_03_07.html
      6. ↑ http://www.toothclub.gov.hk/en/en_adu_01_03_07.html
      7. ↑ https://www.mmlearn.org/hubfs/docs/MM%20powerpoint%20template_Adhesives.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iqljpmRtlc&feature=youtu.be&t=18
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17aJda-P_Go&feature=youtu.be&t=40
      1. ↑ https://blackdoctor.org/515310/fitting-in-with-dentures-socializing-living-life-to-the-fullest/
      2. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/common-denture-problems#2
      3. ↑ http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial
      4. ↑ https://www.authoritydental.org/soft-foods
      5. ↑ http://seniorcarecorner.com/tricks-for-family-caregivers-denture-care
      6. ↑ http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-30/sleeping-in-dentures/
      7. ↑ https://www.gotoapro.org/loose-dentures/
      8. ↑ http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-13/loose-dentures/
      9. ↑ https://healthfully.com/fix-loose-dentures-4695777.html
      10. ↑ Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFE. Licensed Dentist. Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
      11. ↑ http://www.deardoctor.com/inside-the-magazine/issue-13/loose-dentures/
      12. ↑ https://www.medicinenet.com/dentures/article.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To keep your bottom dentures in place, make sure to choose the right denture adhesive based on your needs. For a secure fit, pick an over-the-counter denture cream since they tend to offer the best grip. However, if you have a dry mouth, try a dental adhesive powder, which will adhere firmly to your gums for up to 12 to 18 hours at a time. While denture wafers offer the least retentiveness, give them a try if you have a narrow or flat jaw. Once you pick your denture adhesive, wash and dry your dentures to prepare them. After applying your chosen adhesive, press your dentures tightly into place by holding them against your bottom gums and biting down for several seconds. To learn how to properly store your dentures, keep reading!

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