Get answers to frequently asked questions about denture adhesive cream.
Want to get to know the basics of using adhesives to live more comfortably and confidently with dentures or partials? This is the place to start.
Zinc-free Formulation Questions and Answers
At GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) consumer safety is our primary concern. As a precautionary measure GSK voluntarily stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of all zinc-containing denture adhesives in February 2010.
Our adhesives that contained zinc have always been safe and effective when used as directed. The vast majority of consumers did follow the instructions on the package. However we know that some used excess product over the long term, and this is associated with potential health risks. This is the reason why we took this decision and introduced a zinc-free line of denture adhesives.
All denture adhesive creams currently manufactured by GSK no longer contain zinc and are labeled "Zinc Free Formula".
Important information and answers to questions are included below.
- Was there a problem with the zinc-containing products?
- How do I know if I had ingested too much zinc?
- What are the possible symptoms of long term and excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesive?
- What is myeloneuropathy?
- I have symptoms (i.e. numbness/tingling/weakness), what should I do?
- I still have some GSK denture adhesive that contains zinc. I am afraid to use the product. Do I continue to use the product?
- I am afraid to use the product and want a refund.
- Are the zinc-free formulations effective?
- How much adhesive should I be using?
General Questions and Answers
- How do I remove the denture adhesive from my mouth and dentures?
- Why should I use a denture adhesive cream?
- Which Super Poligrip® is right for me – cream, strips or powders?
- How do I apply Super Poligrip® cream, strips or powders?
- How long does Super Poligrip® Hold?
- Why do I sometimes experience ooze when using Super Poligrip®?
- How is the new Super Poligrip® formulation different from older formulations?
1. Was there a problem with the zinc-containing products?
While most consumers followed the instructions on the package, we know that some consumers used excess product over the long term, and this is associated with potential health risks. Reports regarding zinc-containing denture adhesives suggest that excessive use over an extended period of time may result in a zinc-induced copper deficiency which has been associated with the development of blood problems such as anemia, and with disorders of the nervous system, termed myeloneuropathy.
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2. How do I know if I had ingested too much zinc?
A small amount of adhesive will be swallowed during normal use which isn't harmful. All GSK denture adhesive products are safe when used as directed.
If you were using
zinc-containing Super Poligrip
® Original, Super Poligrip
® Extra Care, or Super Poligrip
® Ultra Fresh for several years in amounts greater than directed on the package, for example:
- Routinely using more than once per day, or
- Apply a large amount of adhesive at each application so that a tube was used up in a shorter time than directed on the label (e.g. a 40 g tube lasted less than 6 weeks), or
- You have concerns about your health,
then you should see your doctor and read the information below.
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3. What are the possible symptoms of long term and excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesive?
Ingestion of zinc-containing adhesive at low levels has not been associated with health concerns. However, reports regarding zinc-containing denture adhesives suggest that excessive use over an extended period of time may result in a zinc-induced copper deficiency which has been associated with the development of blood problems such as anemia, and with disorders of the nervous system, termed myeloneuropathy.
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4. What is myeloneuropathy?
It is a disorder of the nervous system that can be serious, with symptoms that include numbness or weakness in the limbs, poor balance and difficulty walking.
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5. I have symptoms (i.e. numbness/tingling/weakness), what should I do?
If you are experiencing these symptoms please consult a medical professional such as your doctor.
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6. I still have some GSK denture adhesive that contains zinc. I am afraid to use the product. Do I continue to use the product?
Super Poligrip® Original, Super Poligrip® Extra Care, Super Poligrip® Ultra Fresh products are safe when used as directed by the product label. If you need to use more often than once a day or in amounts more than directed in the package instructions, then your denture may not fit as well as needed. Please see your dentist to check on the fit of your denture.
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7. I am afraid to use the product and want a refund.
Super Poligrip® Original, Super Poligrip® Extra Care, Super Poligrip® Ultra Fresh are safe to use as directed. Consumers with questions may call 1-866-640-1017.
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8. Are the zinc-free formulations effective?
The zinc free formulas provide an effective all-day hold when used with well-fitted dentures. These products are safe and effective when used as directed.
Our zinc free products also:
- are clinically proven to seal out up to 74% more food particles that cause irritation and pain compared with no adhesive
- help prevent gum irritation
- significantly improve comfort, confidence, and satisfaction
- significantly improve stability, retention, and bite force.
Please remember to visit your dentist on a regular basis to check on the fit of your denture, and the health of your mouth.
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9. How much adhesive should I be using?
It is important to use denture adhesive only as labeled on the pack. For the first time, use a small amount and use more if needed. Too much adhesive can cause oozing - apply less next time if this occurs. It may take a few tries to find the right amount for your denture. Apply once a day for secure hold. If you need to apply more often seek advice from your denture care professional.
Visit your dentist at least once a year to check on denture fit and oral health status.
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1. How do I remove the denture adhesive from my mouth and dentures?
To remove denture adhesive from your mouth:
- Swish mouth with water.
- Slowly remove denture using a rocking motion.
- Remove denture adhesive from your gums with warm water and a soft brush.
To remove denture adhesive from your dentures:
- Soak your dentures in warm water and Polident to remove adhesive.
- After soaking, brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush dipped in Polident solution. (To avoid scratching dentures, do not use toothpaste.)
- Soaking and brushing your dentures daily can help to prevent adhesive build-up.
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2. Why should I use a denture adhesive cream?
Super Poligrip® provides strong, all day hold, plus a denture adhesive cream can help you keep food particles from lodging between the denture and your gums/roof of the mouth, thus helping you reduce the incidence of gum irritation. Denture adhesives can increase the force that can be applied during biting and improve the ability of chewing hard to eat foods that you may have been avoiding. Denture adhesive creams can also help you regain your confidence by providing a more secure denture fit and reducing the likelihood of dislodgement. And all Super Poligrip products are zinc-free.
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3. Which Super Poligrip® is right for me – cream, strips or powders?
Even well fitting dentures can feel more comfortable with zinc-free Super Poligrip®. Just a few dabs create a seal between your dentures and gums making them more comfortable while you eat. There's a variety of denture adhesive variants to fit your individual needs including creams, strips and powders. Visit to learn more.
Super Poligrip® denture adhesive creams have strong hold that lasts all day long. Plus they offer the unique, patented Ooze-Control Tip® that helps you apply a thinner strip of denture adhesive so it's easier to apply with more control and less ooze. You can place denture grip right where you need it most.
Super Poligrip® Comfort Seal® Strips are an innovation in denture adhesives that allow denture wearers to get close to a more natural feeling. Comfort Seal® Strips provide the same level of hold as a cream adhesive but without the unpleasant ooze, mess or taste. The convenient pre-measured strips are individually and hygienically wrapped to provide just the right amount of hold.
Extra Strength Super Poligrip® Powder helps you hold your dentures tight for up to 12 full hours and helps them feel comfortable and natural in your mouth.
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4. How do I apply Super Poligrip® cream, strips or powders?
Super Poligrip
® should only be used and applied according to label directions. Poligrip
® Denture Adhesive is not intended for use in ill-fitting dentures. Ill-fitting dentures should be re-lined or replaced by a dentist. Only a small amount of denture adhesive should be needed.
Applying zinc-free Super Poligrip
® denture adhesive cream:
- Clean and dry your dentures.
- Apply adhesive in short strips, not too close to denture edges.
- Rinse mouth before inserting dentures.
- Press dentures firmly into place, hold firmly, and bite down for a few seconds to secure.
Plus Super Poligrip denture adhesive cream is zinc-free.
Click here to see how to properly apply denture adhesive cream.
Applying zinc-free Super Poligrip
® Comfort Seal
® Strips:
- Clean and dry your dentures.
- With dry hands, peel open and remove strips.
- Lightly moisten one strip at a time with water.
- Place strips on denture, not too close to denture edges. Do not overlap strips. (Tear strips if needed.)
- Rinse mouth with water before inserting denture.
- Press denture in place, hold firmly and bite down.
Plus Super Poligrip Comfort Seal Strips zinc-free.
Click here to see how to properly apply denture adhesive strips.
Applying zinc-free Extra Strength Super Poligrip
® Powder:
- Clean dentures thoroughly, leaving them wet.
- Open cap to expose tip.
- Apply evenly by squeezing the bottle. Shake off excess powder.
- For upper Dentures, position the bottle so powder is dispensed over a large surface area. Move tip from front to back of denture.
- For lower Dentures, position the bottle so powder is dispensing in thin stream. Move tip along the "U" of the denture channel.
- Press dentures in place and hold firmly for a few moments.
- Keep dispenser tip dry so that the opening does not clog.
Plus Extra Strength Super Poligrip Powder is zinc-free.
Click here to see how to properly apply denture adhesive powder.
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5. How long does Super Poligrip® Hold?
Our zinc-free formulation provides an effective all-day hold for well-fitted dentures (up to 12 hours) – depending upon the individual, the fit of the denture, the amount of saliva in the mouth and the foods and beverages that are consumed. Do not apply more than once a day. Visit your dentist regularly. Ill–fitting dentures may impair your health.
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6. Why do I sometimes experience ooze when using Super Poligrip®?
When you experience oozing of denture adhesive cream from beneath dentures, it's a sign that you're using too much. If oozing occurs, reduce the amount of denture adhesive that you are applying. Remember, zinc-free Super Poligrip
® holds all day, so you should not apply Super Poligrip
® more than once a day.
Click here to see how to properly apply denture adhesive
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7. How is the new Super Poligrip® formulation different from older formulations?
Super Poligrip
® products no longer contain zinc, however they still come in the same great colors and flavors denture and partial wearers have known for years. They also contain two adhesive ingredients that provide an effective all-day hold in well-fitted dentures. And the new Super Poligrip
® is easy to find; just look for the Zinc-Free Formulation message right on the box. These products are safe and effective when used as directed. Our zinc-free Super Poligrip
®:
- Is clinically proven to seal out more food particles that cause irritation and pain compared with no adhesive.
- Helps prevent gum irritation.
- Significantly improves comfort, confidence, and satisfaction.
- Significantly improves stability, retention, and bite force.
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