Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Zinc Denture Cream Warning

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about denture creams containing zinc. Adverse events have been reported about overuse of the creams including nerve damage and numbness. Zinc is used in some denture adhesives because the mineral enhances adhesion. A single tube of the product is meant to last 7 or 8 weeks but there are some reports of patients using two or three tubes per week. Some denture adhesive manufacturers have removed zinc from their formulations due to publicity about this problem earlier in the year.
The FDA warning included consumer information about denture fitting. It noted that properly fit dentures should not need additional adhesive creams and urged patients with loose dentures to visit the dentist to have them relined or be fit for new dentures.
The reason that dentures become loose over time is not that they stretch out like an old pair of jeans, it is because without teeth anchored in the jaw bone the bone thinks it is no longer needed and shrinks. This not only causes dentures to become loose but also causes the "shrunken" appearance that we associate with advanced age.
Dental implants can be used to anchor a full set of dentures allowing you to eat and speak with no worry about slippage. Better yet, since the dental implants are anchored into the jawbone they help keep the bone healthy and your appearance more youthful. If you are experiencing loose dentures and would like to find out more about dental implants and find out if you may be a candidate please contact Dr. Kenneth Mogell at 561-394-9000 today. One of our Team will be happy to answer all your questions and arrange your consultation at our beautiful central Boca Raton, FL office.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.