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Tezvergil-Mutluay A, Carvalho RM et al. J Prosthet Dent 2010; 103: 380–383

Denture adhesives are mixtures of lower alkyl vinyl ether-maleic acid and gums. Zinc salts are used 'to stabilize denture adhesives'. It has been estimated that the intake of zinc from denture adhesives can be '5-23 times the amount the FDA approves for Wilson's disease'. This is when the liver is unable to regulate copper levels. One treatment for Wilson's disease is the use of zinc acetate that blocks the absorption of copper from food. Analogous to this therefore, is that an excessive use of denture adhesive containing zinc causes copper deficiency. Hypocupremia can result in polyneuropathy and bone marrow suppression. Neuropathic pain can also occur in bariatric patients and in those with type 2 diabetes. Fixodent® denture adhesives contains zinc. Poligrip® products and fitty®dent denture adhesive are zinc-free.