Denture Adhesive and Zinc: How Much Is Too Much?

Denture adhesive can make dentures feel more secure for eating and talking. As gums and bone change over time, many people find they’re using more and more of it. That matters, because some denture creams contain zinc, and very heavy use over months or years has been linked to serious nerve problems. Here is what to know and how to keep track.

Why zinc is a concern

Zinc is an essential mineral, and the NIH¹ Office of Dietary Supplements says the zinc in denture creams isn’t a concern when they’re used as directed. But excessive use could lead to too much zinc.¹ Over weeks, large amounts of zinc can interfere with how your body absorbs copper.¹

In a 2008 report in the journal Neurology², doctors described four patients with low copper levels, high zinc levels and a range of nerve problems. Each wore dentures and had used very large amounts of denture cream for a long time. After they stopped the cream and took copper, two had only mild improvement in their nerve symptoms.²

What the FDA recommends

The Illinois Department of Public Health³ summarizes the FDA’s advice for people who use denture adhesive:³

• Follow the instructions on the package. If there aren’t any, or they’re unclear, ask a dental professional.
• Don’t use more than recommended.
• Know that some adhesives contain zinc, and that not all products list their ingredients. Zinc-free adhesives are available.
• Stop using the adhesive and call your doctor if you notice numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

How to tell if you’re using too much

• It oozes. If adhesive squeezes out of the denture into your mouth, you’re probably using too much. Start with a small amount.³
• The tube runs out fast. A 2.4-ounce tube used for upper and lower dentures should last about seven to eight weeks. Mark the start and finish dates of each tube on a calendar.³
• You also take zinc. Excess zinc can come from overusing adhesive along with a zinc supplement.³ The NIH¹ sets the adult upper limit for zinc at 40 mg a day from all sources.¹ Check multivitamins, cold lozenges and immune supplements too.

The fix is often the fit

Many people with well-fitting dentures don’t need adhesive at all. Bone and gums shrink over time, which can loosen a denture.³ If you need more adhesive than before, ask your dentist whether your dentures need to be relined or replaced. Our article on denture care mistakes covers daily care.

Remove all the adhesive at the end of each day so your dentures can be cleaned well.³

Symptoms worth reporting

Tell your doctor about tingling, numbness, balance problems or weakness, especially if you use a lot of denture cream or take zinc. Mention both, since copper and zinc levels can be checked with blood tests.

Try: “I’m going through a tube of denture cream every few weeks and my feet have been tingling. Could zinc be involved, and should my copper and zinc levels be checked? Do my dentures need to be refitted?”

Is It My Breath? includes a visit script. Use it to bring your adhesive use, supplements and any symptoms to your next dental and medical visits.