title: What every dentist should know about zinc.
abstract: Zinc plays an important role in human physiology, from its involvement in the proper function of the immune system to its role in cellular growth, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis as well as its essential role in the activity of numerous zinc-binding proteins. However, zinc also plays a key pathophysiological role in major neurological disorders and diabetes. Zinc deficiency is a worldwide problem, whereas excessive intake of zinc is relatively rare. Many patients are exposed to zinc on a regular basis through dentistry as a result of its use in certain restorative materials, mouthwashes, toothpastes and, notably, denture adhesives. Of particular importance to dental professionals are various case reports concerning the neurologic effects of excess zinc intake by patients who routinely use large quantities of zinc-containing denture adhesives. This review presents relevant information concerning the use of zinc in dentistry.
authors: Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, USA.
authors: Amar
authors: A
authors: Patel
authors: J Anthony
authors: JA
authors: von Fraunhofer
authors: Nasir
authors: N
authors: Bashirelahi
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003781:Denture Retention; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053210:Pharmaceutical Preparations, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015032:Zinc / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives; D003764:Dental Materials; D009067:Mouthwashes; D053210:Pharmaceutical Preparations, Dental; D014100:Toothpastes; D014131:Trace Elements; D015032:Zinc