Medical Emergencies · single question
Which component in DENTURE CLEANING solution can cause ALLERGIC REACTIONS?
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Correct answer: D. Persulfate (ammonium/potassium persulfate)
Persulfate compounds (D) — specifically ammonium or potassium persulfate — in commercial denture cleaning tablets (e.g., Efferdent, Polident) are the primary cause of allergic reactions, ranging from contact stomatitis to anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals.
• Persulfate-induced reactions: oral mucosal irritation, contact dermatitis, urticaria, and rare anaphylaxis. These are serious adverse reactions requiring allergy workup.
• Sodium hypochlorite (A): bleach — can cause tissue irritation if not rinsed properly but not primarily allergenic in dilute cleaning solutions.
• Zinc (C): some denture adhesives contain zinc — excessive use can cause zinc toxicity (peripheral neuropathy) but not typically allergic reactions.
• Patients with persulfate allergy should use bleach-based or enzyme-based denture cleaners instead.
• Persulfate-induced reactions: oral mucosal irritation, contact dermatitis, urticaria, and rare anaphylaxis. These are serious adverse reactions requiring allergy workup.
• Sodium hypochlorite (A): bleach — can cause tissue irritation if not rinsed properly but not primarily allergenic in dilute cleaning solutions.
• Zinc (C): some denture adhesives contain zinc — excessive use can cause zinc toxicity (peripheral neuropathy) but not typically allergic reactions.
• Patients with persulfate allergy should use bleach-based or enzyme-based denture cleaners instead.
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