Denture adhesive compositions with sufficient initial adhesion to the gums that build up enough cohesive strength upon hydration with saliva to withstand the stresses occurring during food mastication and cushions the gums from contact with the denture during chewing. The adhesive comprises a mixed partial salt of an amino ethyl ethylene urea substituted polyalkylvinylether/maleic acid copolymer wherein the cations of the salt are selected from the group consisting of zinc, calcium, magnesium, strontium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium.