BALTIMORE - The simple act of trying to keep dentures in place can trigger serious health problems, including neurological damage, a new study by University of Maryland researchers warns.
Preliminary studies link the zinc in some adhesives to neurological damage and blood abnormalities, at least among patients who squeeze out too much denture cream, too often, trying to keep their teeth anchored.
A review of the scientific literature by faculty members at the University of Maryland Dental School has concluded that these health risks "should be a matter of concern for all dentists caring for denture patients. ... Dentists should admonish their patients to limit their use of denture adhesives in accordance with manufacturers' instructions."
The paper, "What Every Dentist Should Know about Zinc," appears in the April 1 edition of the journal General Dentistry. It cites cases in which patients have been exposed to as much as 200 times the recommended daily allowance of zinc from their abuse of denture adhesives.
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Such reports began appearing in 2008. Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration acknowledged it has received "numerous reports" of "local and systemic symptoms consistent with zinc toxicity."
The FDA urged manufacturers to revise their labeling to identify products that contain zinc, or to replace the zinc with "an ingredient that presents less health risks in situations of overuse."
The American Dental Association said the link between excessive use of some denture adhesives and health problems is not yet proven. It suggested some patients may be going overboard in a struggle to get ill-fitting dentures to stay put.
In a statement, the FDA urged such patients to see their dentists for refitting. "Denture cream ... is not the solution for ill-fitting dentures," the ADA said.
The legal profession has already latched onto the issue as a potential source of new liability lawsuits. The law firm of Peter G. Angelos in Baltimore is among those now advertising for clients who may have suffered zinc poisoning from their dental adhesives.
Symptoms include unexplained weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet or balance problems.
In the meantime, some adhesive makers have moved to head off problems. GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Super Poligrip, last year voluntarily stopped using zinc in their Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care varieties.
The zinc was part of a polymer salt that enhanced the product's adhesive properties, the company said. It's been replaced with a salt based on calcium, sodium and cellulose gum.
The products "have always been safe and effective when used as directed," the company said in a statement. "However, we know that some used excess product over the long term, and this is associated with potential health risks."
All denture adhesives currently made by GlaxoSmithKline no longer contain zinc, and are labeled "Zinc Free Formula."
Dr. Nasir Bashirelahi is a professor at the UM Dental School and a co-author of the General Dentistry paper, with Amar Patel, a dental student, and J. Anthony von Fraunhofer.
"As far as dental adhesives, definitely you should not use the one that has a zinc base in it," Bashirelahi said. "And the manufacturers are now making one without zinc."
Bashirelahi said he has been working, through continuing education, to bring dentists up to speed on the risks of zinc overdoses from dental products. "They are very, very receptive. ... They are really very anxious to find out about it."
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