Denture adhesive is a paste, powder, or strip used to enhance the retention and stability of dentures, creating a seal between the prosthetic and the gum tissue. Although intended for use in the mouth, a small amount is frequently swallowed during normal daily activity. Swallowing the adhesive is common and rarely causes serious health issues, but the body’s reaction depends heavily on the amount ingested and the product’s specific formulation. Concerns range from temporary digestive discomfort to mineral imbalance from long-term overuse.
Primary Ingredients and Their Role
Modern denture adhesives are composed of non-toxic materials designed to be inert within the body. The main adhesive agents are synthetic polymers and natural cellulose gums, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose or poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid) copolymer. These components are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb moisture from saliva to swell and create the sticky seal between the denture and the mouth tissue. Formulations also contain plasticizing agents, coloring, and flavorings, all recognized as safe for incidental ingestion. Historically, some adhesives contained zinc to improve bond strength, but many current products are zinc-free. Any small amount swallowed will pass through the digestive system without being chemically broken down or absorbed into the bloodstream.
Digestive System Response to Small Amounts
Accidental ingestion usually involves swallowing a pea-sized amount of adhesive. When swallowed, the non-digestible polymers and gums travel harmlessly through the gastrointestinal tract. However, the bulk-forming nature of cellulose gums can cause temporary symptoms. Some individuals may experience nausea, stomach upset, or a feeling of stickiness in the throat or esophagus shortly after ingestion. Because the adhesive swells when exposed to moisture, it can occasionally contribute to minor constipation or bloating as the solidified material moves through the intestines. These acute gastrointestinal effects resolve once the adhesive has been excreted from the body.
Systemic Health Implications of Prolonged Use
A more serious concern arises from the chronic, excessive use of older or specific zinc-containing adhesives. Zinc was included in formulations to improve adhesion, but using significantly more than the recommended amount—sometimes two or more large tubes per week—leads to excessive mineral ingestion. Over months or years, this high zinc intake interferes with the body’s absorption and metabolism of copper.
This can induce a copper deficiency, which is the cause of the most concerning systemic health issues. Copper is essential for proper nerve function and blood cell formation. A deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, known as myeloneuropathy. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs, difficulty with balance, and walking. Severe copper deficiency can also result in blood disorders like anemia or bone marrow suppression.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
While most accidental ingestions are minor, specific situations warrant immediate medical attention. Contact Poison Control or seek emergency care if a very large quantity of the adhesive is swallowed, especially if the product contains zinc. Large-volume ingestion, regardless of ingredients, carries a risk of intestinal blockage due to the adhesive’s tendency to solidify and clump.
Signs of an intestinal issue include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or the inability to pass gas or stool for an extended period. If you are a heavy user of a zinc-containing adhesive and begin to experience neurological symptoms, such as new-onset numbness, tingling, or unexplained difficulty walking, prompt medical evaluation is required to test for potential copper deficiency.