Soluble denture adhesives: pH and sodium content.

Seventeen soluble denture adhesives available in local drug stores in Belgium were selected. The pH of aqueous adhesive solutions was determined with a glass pH electrode. Sodium determinations of normal and acidified aqueous adhesive solutions were performed by means of atomic emission spectrometry. The amount of adhesive required per application according to manufacturer's instructions was determined by weight. Gum karaya containing adhesives had an acidic pH (pH < 5). The other adhesive formulations had a pH of about 7. No sodium was detected in gum karaya containing powder adhesives. The sodium content of the other adhesive formulations varied between 1.1 and 8.7 g/100 g. The amount of powder adhesive required for an application in an upper and lower complete denture was respectively 0.2 g and 0.1 g. To provide a denture with a cream or liquid adhesive 0.2 to 0.3 g material was required. Based on the data from this study it was calculated that denture adhesive applications three times a day in both upper and lower complete denture could result in a supplementary daily sodium intake of 0.9 to 6.0 mmol Na+/day.

[Denture adhesives can be useful]. / Kleefmiddelen voor gebitsprothesen kunnen nuttig zijn.

The use of denture adhesives has been discouraged by the dental profession. The negative attitude toward denture adhesives originates from scientific reports about the irreversible damage of denture bearing tissues caused by the application of denture pads and do-it-yourself liners. This survey of literature shows that, so far, no harmful effects have been reported about powder, cream or liquid denture adhesives. Therefore, it is justifiable to prescribe denture adhesives in some patients in order to improve their denture comfort. Dentists should be proactive in giving patients appropriate information about the different kinds of denture adhesives and in demonstrating their proper use.

[Prevention of alveolar bone loss]. / Prévention de la perte osseuse alvéolaire.

This article describes the bone resorption and remodeling of the edentulous jaw, starting right after extraction of teeth. This resorption is a physiological process, but can be influenced by wearing dentures. Load on the mucosa and disturbed blood circulation of the mucosa caused by the denture gives an additional bone resorption. The prevention of bone resorption can be executed in saving teeth or roots as long as possible. But when the jaw is already edentulous it is necessary to create an optimal function and load-dividing of the denture and regular controls are indicated. From time to time the denture has to be rebased or relined due to the changes in contour of the jaw. Also a daily massage of the mucosa after cleaning the denture is advisable to restore a normal blood circulation.