The trace mineral zinc, found in beef, pork, lamb and peanuts, helps the immune system and is an important part of a healthy diet. After studying the results of 15 trials, Cochrane Reviews has concluded that zinc can shorten the duration of a cold.
Too much zinc can be hazardous to your health, however, and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) warns that denture wearers who use more than the recommended amount of denture adhesive can consume toxic levels of zinc.
"An ill-fitting denture is one reason that a patient could be overusing adhesive," according to Manuel A. Cordero, DDS, MAGD, in an AGD news release. "With age, your mouth will continue to change as the bone under your denture shrinks or recedes. If the denture doesn't fit correctly, the patient tends to use more adhesive to try to get the denture to stay in place."
To avoid using too much denture adhesive, which can irritate the mouth and cause stomach pain, nausea, and potential neurological damage, the AGD advises denture wearers to follow package instructions.
And instead of using more adhesive to hold loose-fitting dentures, see your dentist every six months to make sure your dentures fit properly.