Denture Adhesive Use Linked to Zinc Overdose

According to a study run by researchers at the University of Maryland, the wish of some patients to anchor their teeth too tight with the adhesive might trigger some health problems.

Specifically, studies point out that the zinc content in the dental adhesive might provoke blood abnormalities or certain neurological damages, especially if patients use too much of the adhesive to keep their teeth in place.

In a review of specialty literature done by staff at the University of Maryland Dental School, it is highlighted that dentists too should warn their patients to use the dental adhesive only in amounts as specified on the instructions of use, and not more.

This specific published material appeared in the Journal of General Dentistry (April the 1st), and it presents a few specific cases too. For example, some patients were exposed to 200 times more zinc than the RDA (recommended daily allowance), exactly because they were using bigger amounts of dental adhesive than allowed.

Even recently, the FDA has admitted that it got several reports of symptoms that have been triggered by zinc toxicity. However, the ADA (American Dental Association) says there is actually no direct link yet to prove that patients who use dental adhesives in excessive amounts have health issues such as zinc toxicity.

The FDA sends a clear message to patients who have an ill fitting denture, that they should visit their dentist for alternative treatments, because constantly using high amounts of denture adhesive is not a proper solution. These adhesive creams are good only when used as directed.

The response of the several companies that fabricate these dental creams was not late in showing up. Some of the most well known manufacturers have stopped using the zinc as an ingredient in the dental adhesives.

Zinc was a main ingredient that made the adhesive property of the cream better, but they had replaced it with cellulose gum, or salts based on sodium and calcium, which basically produce the same effect.

Many dental professionals agree that dental adhesives are not a long term solution for ill fitting dentures, and that patients should visit their dentists for proper treatment.