Denture Dangers

About one-third of all Americans over age 65 have no remaining natural teeth. Although improved dental hygiene has reduced the need for dentures as more Americans brush and floss regularly, about 20 million in the United States still wear them, according to Denturewearers.com. Yet few consider the possible hazards that dentures pose. These can range from the minor to the serious.

Denture Cream

• One of the potential dangers posed by dentures is linked to denture cream. A 2008 study published in the journal Neurotoxicology reported that zinc in certain denture adhesives was related to neurological problems and blood disorders in several patients that was traced to a copper deficiency caused by excessive intake of the mineral. These patients --- who had ill-fitting dentures --- applied large amounts of the zinc-containing products. At least one major manufacturer of adhesives reformulated the products in question to remove the zinc, although company officials asserted that the products were always safe if used as directed.

Secondary Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Dentures can be one cause of secondary burning mouth syndrome, which is characterized by mouth pain, numbness, a loss of taste and a burning sensation. Dentures or their composite elements may play a role in irritating the mouth tissues or causing discomfort to the muscles.

Bad Fitting

• Ill-fitting dentures can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. Dentures should be refit every few years to account for bone loss. Neglecting to do this will make a refitting more difficult because of the accelerated bone loss. Dentures can also negatively affect your appearance, making your face appear older or more sunken. This effect is more pronounced with badly fitting dentures. A lack of natural teeth can create a sagging effect that drops the nose downward.

Loss of Chewing Power

• Denture wearers can lose as much as nine-tenths of their chewing power. Denture users can still chew but the process takes longer. They may also experience a decreased sense of taste as the dentures can inhibit some of the sensations associated with eating, including heat and cold.

Denture Cleansers

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported dangers linked to the use of persulfates in denture cleansers. These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions ranging from gum sensitivity to breathing difficulties. Improper use of the cleansers, such as gargling or swallowing them instead of cleaning dentures in their container, can exacerbate the problem.

Cleaning

• Dentures should always be kept clean and used as directed. In one instance, a Scottish nursing home resident was reported to have had dentures that resulted in a serious fungal infection, with the dentures eventually bonding to the gum, requiring surgical removal.