Ten brands of denture adhesive on sale in the United Kingdom have had their active constituents identified by infrared spectroscopy. Six contained Karaya gum, an acidic substance which in aqueous solution could cause decalcification of enamel. The viscosity of the denture adhesives studied was of the order of 106 poise. After mixing with water all showed an increase in viscosity, some showing a subsequent fall as further dilution with water took place.
