Denture Adhesives Containing Gantrez

Using Gantrez fixative throughout the day can result in benzene exposure. Benzene is a carcinogen that causes tremor, stomach irritation and rapid or irregular heartbeat, warns the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Securing dentures with the copolymer Gantrez may cause excess benzene exposure. Procter & Gamble recommends the use of denture adhesives containing calcium, zinc, and gantrez to reduce bacterial accumulation in the mouth. The benefits of Gantrez, however, may not be worth the risk.

Gantrez

• Gantrez, consisting of a methylvinylether/maleic anhydride copolymer, fixes denture plates to the roof and base of the mouth. Gantrez is often difficult to identify because denture products are not required to list ingredients, notes a 1996 report by Business Week. Benzene, a chemical additive in glues, paints, furniture waxes and detergents, helps bind the Gantrez ingredients. These denture adhesives do not completely dissolve in saliva, but require multiple applications throughout the day to enhance denture adhesion. The U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration has regulated permissible benzene levels in fixative adhesives since 1996; however, individuals using multiple applications may still be at risk for unwanted benzene exposure. Dental relining or plate adjustment may decrease the need for denture adhesives.

Poligrip and Fixodent

• Super Poligrip ingredients include polymethylvinylether/maleic acid, sodium-calcium mixed partial salt, petrolatum, cellulose gum and mineral oil, according to the My Poly Care website. The methylvinylether/maleic acid product is a form of generic Gantrez, notes Special Chem. Fixodent ingredients include carboxymethylcellulose sodium and polyvinyl alcohol-methyl acrylate copolymer, notes Dental Articles. These generic polymethyl chemical agents use benzene, but because individuals cannot determine the amount of denture cream required to avoid excessive exposure, risk may be unavoidable. Until denture adhesive lasts longer with less application, users risk excessive exposure to carcinogens such as the benzene found in Gantrez.

Bioforce Secure Denture Adhesive

• Bioforce Secure denture adhesive includes in its list of ingredients polyvinyl acetate, a non water-soluble ingredient, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The product description states that this chemical is also found in some chewing gums. Fixative copolymers such as chewing-gum ingredients, however, do not remain attached to the gums for several hours per day. Bioforce Secure does not describe the amount of denture cream required to avoid excessive exposure to benzene. This denture cream similar to Fixodent and Poligrip does not list Gantrez or its exposure risks on its product labels.