Effect of the denture adhesive for dry mouth on the retentive force of experimental palatal plates

Abstract Background The number of denture wearers with dry mouth has been increasing with the continuous ageing of the population. The use of denture adhesives may be effective when dentures are difficult to stabilise. A denture adhesive for dry mouth with good cleaning properties has recently been developed. We have evaluated the retentive force of dentures on models when a denture adhesive for dry mouth was used and obtained good results. However, there are no reports comparing the retentive force of denture adhesives for dry mouth with conventional denture adhesives in the oral cavity. In this study, the retentive forces of a denture adhesive for dry mouth, conventional denture adhesive, and an oral moisturizer were compared and determined in the oral cavity of dentulous jaws using an experimental palatal plate. Methods Ten healthy dentulous participants (mean age 27.2 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Palatal plates were fabricated. Four test samples were used: denture adhesive for dry mouth, conventional denture adhesive (cream type), oral moisturizer, and denture moisturizer. The sample was applied to the inner surface of the palatal plates, and the retentive force of the palatal plate was measured every 10 min for 30 min. After the measurements, the study participants were asked to rinse the palatal plate with water and subjectively evaluate the samples used. Results The conventional denture adhesive (cream type) showed increased retentive force over time, with the maximum retentive force obtained after 10 min of application. However, its washability was rated second lowest. The denture adhesive for dry mouth showed the highest retentive force immediately after application. Its washability was also good. Conclusions The results suggest that the denture adhesive for dry mouth has reasonable retentive force in the oral cavity and cleaning properties compared to the conventional cream-type denture adhesive.