Zinc-containing denture adhesive can cause poisoning if overused for a long time.
Millions of people use denture creams to keep their smile in place. Seems pretty straightforward and no harm, right? You just put a few dots of cream, stick your denture in, and that’s it.
However, this entire daily habit can, in fact, be a matter of your health for some people.
It is a fact that almost all of the popular denture adhesives have zinc in them. Even though our body requires a small amount of zinc, an overdose – which may happen when using denture cream daily – can result in zinc toxicity.
At Lema Dental Clinic, in our clinical practice, we are very often seeing how our patients have already put themselves into a really dangerous situation.
In order to fix the problem of a loose denture, they keep increasing the use of denture adhesive, which in turn leads to not only a shrinking of their jawbone, but, unknowingly, to nerve damage as well.
The Copper-Zinc Balance: How It Affects You
In order to understand the risk, think of a biological see-saw. One side is zinc, and the other is copper. When you are healthy, the see-saw is balanced.
When you also use a lot of zinc-based adhesive, you imbalance the see-saw. Too much zinc will prevent your body from getting copper, which is responsible for your nerves’ protection, similar to how the plastic that is insulating the wire is protecting it. When your copper is getting low, your nerves get ‘short-circuited’.
Professor Doctor Coşkun Yıldız points out on multiple occasions that patients hardly ever associate the use of their denture cream with the time when symptoms related to the nerves occur. Surprisingly, the symptoms come on so gradually that people most of the time mistake them for normal aging without even knowing it, says the professor.
Key Signs of Zinc Poisoning
At first, mainly digestion-related symptoms appear, followed by nerve problems. Here are some of the things that you should keep an eye on:
Early Warning Signs
- You will have a metallic taste in your mouth all the time.
- There will be nausea present almost all the time, together with abdominal cramps.
- When you quickly change posture from lying to standing, you get dizzy.
Advanced Nerve Symptoms
- Tingling. There are ‘pins and needles’ feelings in your fingers or toes.
- Balance problems. You are feeling unsteady and tripping more.
- Muscle weakness. You are experiencing difficulties in climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects.
Comparing Your Options
It is very unlikely that a certain denture product would be the cause of your problems if you need a lot of denture glue. Dentist Polen Akkılıç and her team think it would be best for you to also consider a transition to permanent dental solutions.
| Feature | Dentures + Adhesive | Permanent Implant Systems |
| Zinc Risk | High (with heavy use) | None |
| Jawbone Health | Bone continues to shrink | Bone is stimulated and preserved |
| Biting Force | Weak (20-30%) | Strong (85-95%) |
| Maintenance | Messy, daily cleaning | Brush like natural teeth |
| Stability | Relies on glue | Anchored to bone |
Moving Beyond the Adhesive Cycle
So, what is left for us to do if we suddenly suspect that our cream is actually poisoning us?
Firstly, you are to discontinue the use of any zinc-based adhesive. Go for a zinc-free brand if you want, but you should be aware that it will not be a solution in the long run. A loose denture causes rubs like sandpaper on your gums, leading to further bone loss.
Our observations in the clinic are that patients who have decided to switch to implant-supported teeth are the safest ones when it comes to avoiding such risks. For instance, All-on-4 and All-on-6 replace the missing roots with secure, biocompatible components. In terms of appearance and functionality, these parts are just like natural teeth. So, it is okay to finally get rid of those tubes of adhesive.
Turkey is also a preferred place for patients to go and have these kinds of restorations done, which are able to change one’s life greatly. At Lema Dental Clinic, we are using the most up-to-date imaging methods to precisely plan your treatment. In a matter of only a few days, we are working to restore your whole new smile through the creation of a solid base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantity of denture adhesive is considered safe?
A zinc-based paste, if you’re using one, can easily last a couple of months if you only open the tube to get some cream for a day or two. Ordering a new tube every couple of weeks means that you are applying a lot of cream, causing health risks.
Is nerve restoration possible?
That is dependent on how soon you can detect the situation. Your body can usually heal if you stop the zinc intake at a time when the symptoms are not very intense. If the harm is to a great extent, certain changes might be irreversible. If you experience tingling, please get a doctor’s appointment.
How do I figure out if my cream contains zinc?
Just go through the list of ingredients printed on the package. You want to find the terms Zinc or Zinc Oxide. In the case you spot these, a substitution to a Zinc-Free marked product is in order.
What makes implants superior to adhesives?
Implants are like man-made roots that integrate with your jawbone. After they are implanted, you can consider your denture as permanently attached. They won’t move, won’t make noises, and you will never have to use glue again.
What makes Lema Dental Clinic stand out for this?
Apart from providing professional dental services, we also utilize top-quality materials such as Zirconium. Our dentistry staff in Turkey has a special focus on not only replacing teeth but also preserving your natural bone structure and raising your standard of living.
References
- Hedera, P., et al. (2002). Myeloneuropathy induced by copper deficiency. Neurology, 58(11).
- Nations, S. P., et al. (2008). Denture cream as a source of excess zinc and neurological disease. Neurology, 71(9).
- Plaza, M. J., & Peterson, M. (2011). Denture cream-induced zinc toxicity. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 41(5).
- Spinazzi, M., et al. (2014). Myeloneuropathy due to copper deficiency caused by denture cream. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 338.
- Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, V., & Brewer, G. J. (2006). The impact of excess zinc storage. Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, 9(3).
