According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), zinc is a mineral that is an essential ingredient for an individual's health. You can find zinc in most protein-rich foods such as shellfish, beef, chicken and nuts, as well as in some dietary supplements. However, when ingested in large quantities, zinc can lead to harmful, long-term effects on the body.

The overuse of zinc-containing denture adhesives has prompted the scientific community to reassess the effects of zinc in denture adhesive products across the US market. Patients tend to overuse their denture adhesive for a variety of reasons, such as ill-fitting dentures or concerns about their current adhesive’s holding-strength.

Concerns about zinc in denture adhesives surfaced in 2008 with the publication of a study in the journal Neurology by researchers at Texas Southwestern Medical School. They reported on four patients who were found to have abnormally high zinc levels in their blood; all patients revealed to their doctors that they had been using very large amounts of denture cream. A handful of these patients reported that their problems began with numbness and tingling in their fingers and toes and eventually progressed to permanent nerve damage.

Since then, continued studies have confirmed that using more than the recommended use in zinc-containing denture adhesives, especially when combined with dietary supplements, can lead to permanent neurological damage and blood abnormalities -- especially in the hands and feet. This damage appears slowly, over an extended period of time.

The FDA does advise that one way to avoid the harmful effects of zinc-poisoning is to consider a zinc-free denture adhesive. Secure Denture Adhesive ensures that all patients are safe with our zinc-free formula. In addition, Secure promises up to 12 hours of holding power by creating a long-lasting bond between the denture and the gum; eliminating stress surrounding concerns about dentures staying put throughout the day. Keep safe and ease your mind with the only zinc-free, waterproof denture adhesive - Secure Denture Adhesive!