Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Denture Patients Risk Toxic Levels of Zinc



Dentures that fit poorly may create a health hazard among those who overuse dental adhesives to keep the prosthesis in place. An article published in General Dentistry explains that zinc ingested at toxic levels can trigger nausea, stomachache and mouth irritation. We can play an important role in protecting patients against excessive zinc intake. It is recommended to encourage patients to be evaluated every 6 months to ensure dentures fit properly and explain to patients it may be necessary for the dentist to adjust the denture, reline it, or possibly remake the prosthesis. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate keratinized tissue, erythematous tissue, callous formation on the ridges as signs that should lead us to question the proper fit of the denture or prosthesis. Clinicians should remember to ask patients about a possible history of digestive-related irregularities.

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