Denture Adhesives Side Effects – 6 Common Problems With Denture Adhesives
Fact Checked by Dr. M. Mansoor Majeed
Dr. M. Mansoor Majeed (BDS, MDS, CHPE) has over ten years of experience as a practicing dentist, medical writer, and researcher. He also works as an assistant professor at a renowned health sciences university. Dr. Mansoor has written more than 25 research articles, which have been published in renowned medical journals, and has presented his research at conferences worldwide.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are Denture Adhesives?
- 2 The Benefits of Denture Adhesive
- 3 5 Common Problems With Denture Adhesives
- 4 Denture Adhesive Side Effects FAQs
- 4.1 Are denture adhesive side effects dangerous?
- 4.2 What should I do if I experience a side effect from my denture adhesive?
- 4.3 Can denture adhesives cause allergic reactions?
- 4.4 Can using too much denture adhesive cause side effects?
- 4.5 Should I stop using my denture adhesive if I experience side effects?
- 4.6 Can denture adhesive side effects be prevented?
- 5 Final Thoughts
Denture adhesives are a good solution for denture wearers to hold dentures in place. However, there are possible issues that can develop. In this article, we will take a look at what denture adhesives are, how they work, what some of the denture adhesives’ side effects are, other problems you may experience with them, and how to alleviate any issues you may have.
What Are Denture Adhesives?
Denture adhesives are used as denture glue to hold dentures firmly in place in your mouth. These adhesives are available in three common formats: as a paste, powder, or pad.
When in use, a dental adhesive is applied directly to the fitting surface of the full denture plate or the base. Once the denture is put in place in your mouth, the adhesive sits between the plate and your gums.
The adhesive is intended for daily use, so each night before going to bed, when cleaning dentures to soak overnight, it is important to carefully remove the denture adhesive from both the plates and your gums or oral tissues.
The Benefits of Denture Adhesive
There are a few basic advantages to using a denture adhesive cream on dentures. They include:
Prevent Your Dentures From Moving
As your gums change shape over time, your denture may not fit as well as they once did. By using a denture adhesive, you can keep those plates firmly positioned in your mouth.
Improved Comfort
As for comfort, you have to consider that a denture is a hard material that is going to spend most of the day on the soft tissue of your mouth. The dental adhesive makes that fit a lot more comfortable for the wearer.
Improves Your Self-Confidence
Since your dentures will be firmly held in place, you don’t have to worry about your dentures moving inside your mouth (or falling out) when you are around others when talking and eating. This will help with your self-confidence, especially when in public, immensely.
5 Common Problems With Denture Adhesives
The biggest issue that can result from the use of denture adhesives is what would be classified as side effects. Here are the top five denture adhesive side effects to be aware of:
Bone Loss
Denture wearers are subject to the natural loss of bone density. This happens over time as your jawbone no longer receives the type of stimulation it once experienced with teeth or dental implants in place.
As the bone deteriorates, there is less of it to support the denture plates. One thing that can speed up bone loss is the habit of wearing dentures that do not fit properly. Some people may be over-reliant on denture adhesives to keep their dentures in place rather than getting new dentures or a denture reline when their dentures don’t fit properly. This is why it is vital for regular denture fixing or repair to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Zinc Toxicity
Zinc is a requirement of the human body but only in small amounts. It is used to assist with proper healing and good immune function. However, if zinc enters the body in larger amounts, it can be toxic causing nerve damage and prolonged numbness.
Denture adhesives were loaded with zinc and many manufacturers have created new formulas that are zinc-free and better for denture wearers. Read the labels to ensure you are using a zinc-free denture adhesive product.
Stomach Problems
The complex mixture of chemical compounds used in the ingredients of any denture glue can be dangerous to your digestive system if swallowed. The packaging of these products has warnings listed to this effect.
One way to ensure you do not swallow the adhesive product is to apply only enough that extra glue does not ooze out from the sides of your dentures and into your mouth. Once you find the correct amount to apply, you can minimize the possibility of this being an issue.
Allergic Reaction
As mentioned above, the formula used in creating any kind of denture adhesive is a mixture of many different chemical compounds. This is true even with the best denture adhesive on the market.
This means that it is possible that there could be an ingredient that may trigger an allergic reaction of some kind. This would make wearing dentures even more difficult if that reaction affected the gums or mouth. Be sure to read the ingredient list before trying a dental glue product.
Bad Taste
Considering that zinc and other chemicals are used in dental glue, it only makes sense that it is not going to taste very good. For some denture wearers, the taste of the denture cream is enough to make them sick to their stomachs.
With this kind of reaction, it becomes difficult to use a product that ends up so close to the taste buds. However, over time, many denture wearers can get used to the taste or smell of the products that they no longer react to them.
Denture Movement
Denture adhesives may lose their hold over time, causing the dentures to slip, shift or move around in the mouth. This can cause discomfort, soreness, or pain.
Denture Adhesive Side Effects FAQs
Are denture adhesive side effects dangerous?
In general, the side effects of denture adhesives are not usually dangerous. However, some people may experience severe allergic reactions to the ingredients in denture adhesives, such as zinc or acrylic acid, which can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical help right away if you experience symptoms like anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, tongue or face swelling, or any other severe reactions.
Additionally, using zinc-containing denture adhesives over an extended period of time may result in zinc toxicity, which can result in neurological issues like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and legs. To avoid any potential risks or complications, it’s crucial to use denture adhesives as recommended and adhere to your dentist’s advice.
It’s important to speak with your dentist or healthcare provider if you experience any side effects after using a denture adhesive in order to identify the underlying issue and the best course of action. They might suggest changing the denture adhesive you’re using or adjusting the way your dentures fit.
What should I do if I experience a side effect from my denture adhesive?
The first thing you should do is stop using your denture adhesive if you experience a side effect, and then you should speak with your dentist or healthcare provider. They can assist you in identifying the root cause and the best course of action.
In some cases, the side effect may be mild and resolve on its own once you stop using the adhesive. To help you manage your symptoms, your dentist or healthcare provider may advise switching to a different kind of denture adhesive, adjusting the fit of your dentures, or giving you additional treatments if the side effect is more severe.
Seek emergency medical help right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to the denture adhesive and have trouble breathing or experience anaphylaxis.
Use the denture adhesive according to the directions on the packaging at all times. Ask your dentist or other healthcare professional for advice if you’re unsure how to use a denture adhesive properly. They may be able to assist in making sure you are using the product safely and effectively.
Can denture adhesives cause allergic reactions?
Yes, some people can experience allergic reactions to denture adhesives. Zinc, which is added to some formulations to increase adhesive strength, is the most frequent allergen found in denture adhesives. A variety of symptoms, such as skin rash, itching, redness, and blistering, can be brought on by a zinc allergy. Zinc allergy occasionally also results in systemic symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches.
Methacrylates and acrylates, two additional ingredients in denture adhesives, can also trigger allergic reactions. Mouth ulcers, throat or lip swelling, as well as breathing problems, are signs of an allergic reaction to these ingredients.
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction after using a denture adhesive, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment.
If you have a known allergy to a specific ingredient in denture adhesive, be sure to check the ingredients list before using the product, and talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about alternative options.
Can using too much denture adhesive cause side effects?
Yes, there can be negative effects from using too much denture adhesive. Overusing denture adhesive can result in leakage from the denture and contact with your mouth tissues, which can irritate, sore, or inflame your mouth. A denture that fits poorly due to excessive adhesive use may slip or move, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
If you use more adhesive than is recommended, you can also increase the risk that you’ll swallow some of it. This could lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Speak with your dentist or healthcare provider if you experience any side effects after using a denture adhesive so you can identify the underlying issue and the best course of action.
Should I stop using my denture adhesive if I experience side effects?
Yes, if you experience side effects from your denture adhesive, you should stop using it immediately and consult with your dentist or healthcare provider. Continuing to use the adhesive despite experiencing side effects can exacerbate the symptoms and potentially cause additional harm.
Your dentist or healthcare provider can advise you on the best course of action and assist you in identifying the underlying cause of the side effects. They might advise switching to a different kind of adhesive in some circumstances, modifying the fit of your dentures, giving you additional treatments to help you manage your symptoms, or replacing your denture.
Use the denture adhesive according to the directions on the packaging at all times. Ask your dentist or other healthcare professional for advice if you’re unsure how to use a denture adhesive properly. They may be able to assist in making sure you are using the product safely and effectively.
Can denture adhesive side effects be prevented?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent all side effects from using denture adhesives, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of experiencing them. Here are some tips that may help:
– Follow the instructions: Always read and follow the instructions on the denture adhesive packaging carefully. Using the product as directed can help reduce your risk of side effects.
– Use the recommended amount: Use only the amount of denture adhesive recommended by the manufacturer or your dentist. Using too much adhesive can increase the risk of side effects.
– Keep your dentures clean: Make sure to clean your dentures thoroughly before applying adhesive. Bacteria and food particles can get trapped between the denture and gums, leading to irritation and inflammation.
– Don’t use adhesives on damaged or inflamed gums: If your gums are sore, swollen, or irritated, do not use denture adhesive until the symptoms have resolved.
– Avoid allergens: If you have a known allergy to a specific ingredient in denture adhesive, check the ingredients list before using the product, and avoid products containing that allergen.
– Consult with your dentist or healthcare provider: If you have any concerns or questions about using denture adhesive, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and recommendations to help you use the product safely and effectively.
By taking these steps, you can help minimize your risk of experiencing side effects from denture adhesives. If you do experience side effects despite these measures, it’s important to stop using the product and consult with your dentist or healthcare provider for further guidance.
Final Thoughts
Denture adhesives are effective tools for keeping dentures held securely in place. However, if you find you are using denture glue or adhesive to keep your dentures from slipping, there may be a bigger problem developing.
Denture adhesive, especially in large amounts, is not normally required if dentures fit properly. Once they start to slip, it is a sign that your gums have changed shape or it is also a sign of bone loss. While denture glue is a quick fix for this, a better solution would be to see your denturist and have the denture either relined or replaced depending on how much the fit has changed.
Not everyone who uses denture adhesives will experience side effects, and the severity of the side effects can differ from person to person. It’s important to speak with your dentist or healthcare provider if you experience any side effects after using a denture adhesive in order to identify the underlying issue and the best course of action.
If you choose to just use denture adhesive cream, for the time being, be aware of the possible denture adhesive side effects and issues you may encounter that have been outlined above.
I am allergic to Iodine …..Is there Iodine in denture adhesive ?
Hi Nadine, and thanks for your question.
I am not aware of iodine in denture adhesive. However, you may wish to check out the ingredient list on the packaging, or via the manufacturer’s website.
Eg. See Fixodent ingredients – click here.