Homemade Denture Adhesives

Dentures are false teeth that are made out of plastic or porcelain. They are used to replace teeth that are lost. To hold the dentures in place, an adhesive is used on the inside of the denture to ensure the device sticks to the gums. For those looking to save money or need a quick adhesive in a pinch, temporary denture adhesives can be made at home.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter will provide a temporary alternative to store bought denture adhesive. Combine 15 ounces of roasted peanuts that have the skin and shells removed, 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsps. of honey in a food processor. Blend for one minute, scrape the mixture off of the sides of the food processor and blend for two minutes while slowly adding 1 tbsps. of peanut oil. Remove 1 tbsp. of the peanut butter from the processor and spread onto the inside of the denture. Place the denture in the mouth and bite down to secure the denture into place. If the peanut butter does not hold the denture into place, add more honey to the peanut butter, tsp. at a time, until the denture stays firmly in place. Store any leftover peanut butter in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

Bubblegum

To make a bubblegum denture adhesive, heat 1/3 cup of gum base in a microwave safe bowl for one minute. Stir the gum base and set aside. Pour cup of powdered sugar on a cookie sheet and make a well in the middle using your finger. Pour the gum base into the well of the powdered sugar and knead together using your hands. Once the powdered sugar is kneaded into the gum base, the mixture will feel stiff and the gum will be formed. Cut an inch by inch piece of the gum. Wet the inside of the denture with a damp paper towel so the gum will stick. Spread the cut piece of gum onto the inside of the denture, making sure it is spread across the entire denture. Place the denture in your mouth and bite down. If the gum is not sticky enough to hold the denture in place, add more heated gum base, a tsp. at a time until the desired stickiness is met. Leftover gum needs to be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.