If you have new dentures, you might assume that denture adhesive will always be a daily part of your life going forward. However, dentures and dental adhesive aren't necessarily an automatic pair—you may not even need it all the time, in fact. Below, you'll learn about the top three situations where denture adhesive is needed. 

Whilst Getting Used to New Dentures

Whilst dealing with new dentures, you're more likely to need denture adhesive. For some time—maybe as little as a few weeks—your new dentures probably won't feel quite natural yet. This is especially true of the lower arch dentures, as they don't have as much area to suction to as the top arch dentures do.

A single layer of denture adhesive or a denture adhesive cushion strip can help you feel more confident in the early days of wearing your dentures. If you've got that feeling of uncomfortable shifting or movement as you're growing accustomed to your new dentures—for example, when you speak or when you're eating—adhesive can make all the difference. 

Whilst Eating More Challenging Foods

Whilst eating some of the more challenging foods—especially the chewy or crunchy ones—you might find dentures adhesive to be extremely useful. Your dentist has likely already told you about the foods to avoid whilst wearing dentures, especially extremely hard ones. However, most foods are open to you as long as you take precautions like taking small bites and eating carefully.

If you're worried about eating with confidence—especially whilst eating in social situations—it's the ideal time to apply a layer of denture adhesive to both the upper and lower denture arches. 

If You Can't Quite Enunciate Like You Did Before

If you're struggling to speak the way you did before, don't worry—it will come in time. Many denture wearers find it especially challenging to make sounds like "th" whilst wearing their new dentures. As you grow more confident whilst wearing your dentures, you'll enunciate just like you did when you had your natural teeth. However, in the interim you might find that a thin layer of denture adhesive or adhesive cushion strips can give you that confidence boost you need.

Are There Times When Dentures Adhesive Can't Help?

Yes, there may be times when denture adhesive can't help you—and it's usually due to structural issues with the dentures. If you experience discomfort whilst wearing your dentures, or if you notice significant movement, you may need to have a denture relining or rebasing. Speak to your dentist as soon as possible to resolve the issue. 

If you have any of the issues discussed above, give denture adhesive a try. You might just be amazed at how much more confident you feel!