Plasticizers used to make Soft denture liners and denture adhesives flexible can be released; some are described as which?

• A. Inert
• B. Nonbiocompatible
• C. Nonreactive
• D. Cytotoxic

Answer: (D)

When plasticizers can migrate out of soft denture liners and denture adhesives, they may come into contact with oral tissues. If a substance harms cells, that property is described as cytotoxic. Cytotoxic materials can reduce cell viability or kill cells, which is the key biocompatibility concern for leachables in the mouth. The other terms describe general lack of interaction (inert or nonreactive) or a broad incompatibility with tissue (nonbiocompatible) but don’t specify the specific cellular harm that cytotoxic substances can cause. So, describing these leached plasticizers as cytotoxic captures the real risk to cells in the oral environment.