​The Oral Health Foundation has published a new set of global science-based guidelines for denture adhesives.

The new recommendations have been launched to combat the current lack of guidance that exists for full denture wearers about the correct use of denture adhesives.

The research project reinforces the role denture adhesives (and fixatives) play in having ‘best-fitting’ dentures.

Such benefits include better retention and stability, improved confidence and comfort and reduction or elimination of food debris beneath the denture.

The White Paper entitled ‘Guidelines for the Use of Denture Adhesives and their benefits for Oral and General Health’, has been developed by a global task force of academic experts.

Having undertaken a comprehensive review of existing guidance for best use of denture adhesives, the panel found only limited recommendations and guidance in existence.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation says: 'The current lack of guidance on the use of denture adhesives may mean that denture wearers are left confused.

“The evidence is clear; using an adhesive can provide benefits for patients with best-fitting dentures both in terms of function, confidence and comfort.

'These new guidelines will give dental professionals the confidence to know how and when to recommend denture adhesives for maximum patient benefit.'

The guidelines have been sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and were announced as part of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) 2019 meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

The task force included experts from the Oral Health Foundation and King’s College London. There were also representatives from the USA, Greece, Japan and Switzerland.

The group formed to reflect the global need for advice for denture wearers given the ageing population around the world. By 2050, there is expected to be 2 billion people aged 60 years or older in the world – this represents 16% of the population and is triple the figure for this age group in 2010.1

The full guidelines can be downloaded here: White paper on guidelines for the use of denture adhesives and their benefits for oral and general health.

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