Denture cream is a paste which is used to hold “dentures” or false teeth in place. Zinc is one of the ingredients used in the manufacture of denture creams. For maintaining a balanced diet, the recommended daily dosage level of Zinc is about 15 milligrams. As long as the daily intake of zinc is within allowable limits, there is no problem. However, when the ingested level of zinc becomes high, it is unhealthy and leads to a host of nervous disorders. Such neural problems that arise due to the continuous usage of denture cream are known as Denture Cream Neuropathy..

Peripheral Polyneuropathy affects the nervous system in the legs and Myeloneuropathy results in spastic paraparesis, impaired proprioception and vibration sensation, exaggerated knee jerk reflexes, and bilateral extensor plantar responses have been commonly associated with Denture Cream Neuropathy. Depending on where the nerves are located in the body and the types of nerves affected, the symptoms vary. Typical symptoms are simple pain and numbness, cramps, spasms, loss of balance and muscle weakness.

Patients with ill-fitting dentures unknowingly and consistently use denture creams without realizing the negative effects of its long-term usage. Unfortunately, the side effects due to chronic use of denture creams are permanent. The American Academy of Neurology has a well-researched and documented this study. The American Journal of Neuroradiology has come out with a detailed study about Hypocupremia causing Myeloneuropathy.

In most cases, loss of balance & neurological complications arising out of neuropathy are often misdiagnosed as a case of multiple sclerosis.  By then, it becomes too late to co-relate the symptoms and identify consistent denture cream usage as a possible cause. According to the American Academy of Neurology, denture fixative creams such as Poligrip and Fixodent have been found to contain Zinc concentrations from 17000 to 34000 µg/g. Dozens of law suits have been filed against the manufacturers of these products by affected users.

If you know someone who exhibits symptoms similar to those stated above, immediately consult a physician and request to investigate denture cream usage as a possible cause. Alongside, try to get in touch with an experienced attorney to advice on lawsuits and legal proceedings. If you are not sure who to contact, just fill out the form given in this page or give us a call and we would provide you with the required expert advice free of cost on how to go about it