References

Nations SP, Boyer PJ, Love LA Denture cream: an unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease. Neurology. 2008; 71:639-643
Jaiser SR, Winston GP. Copper deficiency myelopathy. J Neurol. 2010; 257:869-881
Shammaa Y, Rodgers J. Denture fixative cream and the potential for neuropathy. Dent Update. 2012; 39:575-577
Winston GP, Jaiser SR. Copper deficiency myelopathy and subacute combined degeneration of the cord – why is the phenotype so similar?. Med Hypotheses. 2008; 71:229-236
Kumar N. Copper deficiency myelopathy (human swayback). Mayo Clin Proc. 2006; 81:1371-1384

Denture fixative cream and the potential for neuropathy (dent update 2012; 39: 575–577)

From Volume 40, Issue 2, March 2013 | Page 144

Authors

Gavin P Winston

UCL Institute of Neurology

Articles by Gavin P Winston

Stephan R Jaiser

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Articles by Stephan R Jaiser

Article

Neurological deficits due to copper deficiency are increasingly recognized with excess zinc from denture adhesives1 being one of several common causes.2 We commend Shammaa and Rodgers for highlighting this issue.3

The authors discuss the role of zinc as an enzyme co-factor. Copper is also a co-factor,4 which may explain the haematological and neurological abnormalities.2,5 Haematological manifestations include anaemia and, less commonly, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, all of which can affect the safety of dental procedures. Neurological manifestations are best characterized as myeloneuropathy as the term ‘human swayback disease’, alluding to a similar condition in ruminants, is rarely used. They may be mistaken for vitamin B12 deficiency.5

Zinc is used in denture adhesives to improve adhesion and, notably, all reports of copper deficiency are in the context of excessive use with ill-fitting dentures. In May 2012, we surveyed the product literature of denture adhesives available in the UK and wrote to the manufacturers to enquire about whether zinc was ever present (Table 1).

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Update and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month
  • New content available