Denture adhesives also known as adherents or fixatives, entered dentistry at the end of the 18th century. The first patent associated with adhesives was announced in 1913, and succeeded in the 1920s and 1930s. Research found that by using denture adhesives, the retention of a full prosthesis is enhanced. Products of denture adhesives can increase the patient's satisfaction, comfort, fulfilment and function with dentures. The fact that poor fitting dentures are usually kept in place with a great amount of adhesive material has unfortunately driven many dentists to presume a relationship between denture adhesive and severe alveolar ridge resorption. Denture wearers who overuse denture adhesives may inadvertently expose themselves to high levels of zinc over time, zinc builds up in the body, leading to copper deficiency, nerve damage, and denture cream induced neuropathy. The purpose of this article is to review the recent literature that documents the serious adverse systemic effects of prolonged, excessive zinc ingestion from the overuse of denture adhesives.
