If you are one among those who are using denture cream, this article is a must-read for you. Denture cream is a paste which is used to hold “dentures” or false teeth in place. Senior citizens, accident patients who happen to loose teeth / injured jaw are prescribed denture cream, recommended by dentists to hold the false teeth in place.

However, what are not very well-known to these users are the side effects of the ingredients used in such denture creams. Zinc, a major chemical used in denture creams causes no harm when present in small quantities. However, it has been scientifically proven that excessive intake of Zinc causes depletion of Copper in the body. Depletion of Copper results in a host of neurological problems in the body. So, it is crucial that copper levels are to be maintained at an appropriate proportion in our body.

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 study on the side effects of chronic use of denture creams. Hypocupremia and Hyperzincemia are two major problems identified in the study.

Hypocupremia or the depletion of Copper in the body causes severe neurological problems. There is a sheath of chemical called Myelin which acts as an insulator for the nerves in the human body. Demyelination or the loss of this Myelin sheath has been attributed to Hypocupremia, according to a publication of the Neurological Society of India. Diseases such as Nephrotic syndrome, Wilson’s disease, Neuropathy, etc., occur due to Hypocupremia.

Hyperzincemia refers to the abnormally high levels of zinc concentration in the blood. Medical complications such as liver dysfunction, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Neutropenia, severe anemia, etc., have all been reported from Hyperzincemia patients. Excessive Zinc and depletion of copper from the blood, in turn sets off a chain of reactions that finally affect the spinal cord. Irreversible injury and neuropathy have been reported from patients of Hyperzincemia.

In most cases, loss of balance & neurological complications 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.

Denture fixative creams such as Poligrip and Fixodent have been found to contain Zinc concentrations from 17000 to 34000 µg/g, according to the American Academy of Neurology. 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. Medications are expected to ease pain and cure complications, not cause the same.