Using household super glue on teeth, dentures, or any oral tissue is strongly discouraged. The definitive answer is no, as these adhesives are not formulated for biological surfaces or the dynamic environment inside the mouth. While the urge to make a quick fix for a chipped tooth or lost filling can be strong, applying non-medical adhesives introduces risks that far outweigh any perceived benefit. Household glues contain chemicals not intended for contact with sensitive oral tissues, which can lead to irritation, injury, and more complicated dental problems.
The Chemical Composition of Super Glue
The primary active ingredient in most household super glues is ethyl cyanoacrylate. This acrylic resin is designed to polymerize, or cure, rapidly when it contacts moisture. Since the mouth is a constantly moist environment filled with saliva, the glue sets almost instantly upon contact.
The curing process is an exothermic reaction, meaning it generates heat. This heat release can cause thermal injury or chemical burns to the gums, tongue, and cheek lining. Furthermore, polymerization can release toxic byproducts, such as formaldehyde, which are irritating to soft tissues and can be absorbed into the body. These chemicals are not biocompatible for use in a biological system.
Immediate Risks and Damage to Oral Tissues
Applying cyanoacrylate adhesive inside the mouth creates several acute risks. The rapid bonding can instantly glue soft tissues together, such as sticking the tongue to the teeth or the lips together. Forcing these bonded tissues apart can cause pain, tearing, and bleeding. Removing the cured glue often requires prolonged soaking or using a solvent like acetone, which is dangerous to use orally.
More serious damage occurs if the glue is applied to a fractured or chipped tooth. If the crack exposes the dentin, the porous layer beneath the enamel, the glue can travel down the microscopic dentinal tubules. This can cause necrosis, or death, of the dental pulp—the living tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. Pulp death leads to severe infection and typically results in the need for a root canal or tooth extraction.
Why Household Glues Fail on Teeth
Even if household super glue were medically safe, it is mechanically ineffective as a lasting dental repair because it cannot withstand the oral environment. The mouth is characterized by constant moisture, saliva, and temperature fluctuations from hot coffee to cold ice cream. This combination promotes hydrolytic degradation, which breaks down the adhesive bond over time.
Professional dental adhesives are engineered to bond micro-mechanically and chemically with the enamel and dentin, creating a durable, sealed interface. Non-medical glues cannot endure the shear and compressive forces involved in biting and chewing. The bond quickly fails, often leading to the glued piece coming off and potentially being accidentally ingested or inhaled. An unsuccessful at-home repair also complicates professional treatment, as the dentist must first remove the hardened, non-biocompatible glue before beginning the actual repair.
Safe Emergency Dental Fixes
If you experience a dental emergency, such as a chipped tooth, a lost crown, or a loose filling, the safest action is to contact a dentist immediately. If you retrieve a broken tooth fragment or a dislodged crown, keep it moist, ideally in milk or a container with your saliva, and bring it to the appointment.
For temporary relief while waiting, use over-the-counter temporary dental repair kits. These kits often contain zinc oxide-based temporary cement, which is non-toxic and provides a short-term seal. You can also use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges of a broken tooth to prevent cutting your tongue or cheek. Avoid chewing on the affected side and take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage discomfort until you receive professional care.