Thaindian News

Washington, Mar 5 (ANI): Zinc is considered an essential mineral for the human body. However, excess zinc intake can be harmful.

Now, a new study has asked denture wearers to pay special attention to the amount of zinc they consume.

“If a patient wears dentures, it is essential that he or she follows the instructions and recommended dosages on the product label,” said J. A. von Fraunhofer, co-author of the study.

“Many times, patients will overuse the adhesive and, although it happens rarely, they can ingest toxic levels of zinc, with adverse neurologic effects,” he added.

The optimal use of denture adhesive involves placing a thin film or a series of dots across the denture surface, which will ensure that a patient is not overusing the adhesive.

A single tube should last three to 10 weeks with daily use, although actual usage depends on the number of applications per day.

“An ill-fitting denture is one reason that a patient could be overusing adhesive,” said Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Manuel A. Cordero.

“With age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. If the denture doesn’t fit correctly, the patient tends to use more adhesive to try to get the denture to stay in place,” he said.

To maintain a proper fit over time, patients should be evaluated by a dentist every six months.

“Abusing denture adhesive could cause nausea, stomachache, and mouth irritation,” said Cordero.

“Over time, toxic levels of zinc could cause a copper deficiency, which has been linked to neurological damage,” he added.

The study is published in the March/April 2011 issue of General Dentistry. (ANI)