5 (Other) Times You Shouldn’t Use Denture Cream
July 28th, 2009. By AbiK
There are certainly reasons why a denture-wearer would want to use a denture cream, such as Fixodent or PoliGrip—and undoubtedly self-assuredness is the biggest reason of all, particularly with younger denture wearers who may be even more self-conscious about wearing them. There are, however, times when it’s probably best to put that tube of denture cream down. The biggest of these reasons is, of course, the recent reports connecting longer-term use of denture cream with zinc build-up (ie, zinc poisoning) that leads to neurological damage.
In case you hadn’t been aware of the above risk, the symptoms of zinc poisoning include weakness in the hands, arms and legs, poor balance, lack of coordination, numbness, tingling, pain and a burning sensation.
But, webmd.com points out 5 other instances when you shouldn’t use denture cream:
1. If your dentures aren’t fitting properly-they feel loose or are causing discomfort-it’s best to see your dentist. Some individuals have a tendency to use more denture cream in an attempt to adjust the fit. This not only avoids fixing the underlying problem, but could be an issue with zinc buid-up.
2. If your dentist has not examined you in a long time, you should make an appointment. Gums can shrink and your jawbone can deteriorate over time, causing ill-fitting dentures. Denture cream (or more denture cream) isn’t the answer.
3. If for any reason you cannot maintain proper oral hygiene of your dentures, you should not use denture cream.
4. If you’re noticing that you’re using more denture cream-or using it more frequently-particularly if you haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, it may signal a change in fit; as with above, you should see your dentist asap and avoid using more fixative.
5. If you have any allegies to the ingredients in the denture cream.
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I wear dentures and unfortunately, I’ve used mostly Fixodent over the last few years.I notice the cream pretty much disappears over the period of a day. Since I have stomach problems ( GERD ) as well as ulcers, I am wondering if the fact that the cream is being swallowed during the day if this could be the cause of some of my problems with acid, which has been so bad at times I’ve even had bleeding ulcers? Thank you, P J Hunt
Thanks Peggy–you may want to consider mentioning this to your doctor. While the primary focus for denture cream adverse effects has been on neurological damage due to zinc poisoning, I’d imagine that any time your digesting a “non-natural” substance there may be implications–but only a doctor can advise you on that front. If you do look into it, let us know–your comments may be a help to other readers as well!
I have used fixadent for ten years.Is there a safe denture cream.
Hi Joyce, Glad to hear you’re keeping on top of this–and I hope you have not experienced any of the symptoms associated with longer-term use of denture creams that contain zinc. My best advice is to speak with your dentist–he or she would be best suited to recommending an appropriate denture adhesive–and in the interim, back off those denture creams that have come under fire for zinc poisoning: PoliGrip, Super PoliGrip and Fixodent. -Abi