Not all people who wear dentures use an adhesive, but some find that this is vital if their dentures are going to stay reliably stable throughout the day. Of course, applying denture adhesive isn't as easy as you might imagine; there are mistakes that you can make along the way, as well as methods to make the process easier.

If you're using adhesive for the first time, or have been having trouble with it, just keep the following best practices in mind.

1. Apply When Your Dentures Are Dry

Before applying your adhesive, make sure your dentures have been both cleaned and dried. You don't want to apply the adhesive over any contaminants, and dentures need to be dry in order for the adhesive to form a proper bond and prevent movement throughout the day.

2. Start Slowly

When you first use denture adhesive it can be hard to ignore the impulse to apply as much as possible, assuming that the more adhesive is applied the stronger the hold will be. Unfortunately, this is not how things work. Using too much adhesive will merely mean that it oozes out into your mouth, and using excessive amounts won't provide the firmer grip you're looking for. Start by applying only a small amount. If any oozes out around the side, it's a sign you've used too much.

3. Apply Correctly

You'll need to learn how to apply your adhesive, not just how much should be used. The two best ways of applying it are either running it across the denture to create a thin coat or using a series of small dots across the surface. You can experiment to see which option works best. One thing you shouldn't do is apply adhesive along the edge of the denture, as it will just be pushed out.

4. Only Apply Once a Day

You shouldn't need to keep ducking into private rooms in order to reapply your adhesive; if it is working properly, it should last all day without wearing off. Avoid overusing your adhesive. Instead take note of how much you're using and whether you might simply need to have the dentures replaced or relined.

5. Clean Your Dentures Thoroughly

Before you go to bed for the night, make sure you remove your dentures and then clean them thoroughly to remove any remaining adhesive. If any is allowed to dry onto the plastic, you might find that wearing your dentures becomes uncomfortable. Additionally, your dentures may not adhere properly the next day if there is a residue of adhesive left over from the night before.