Most denture creams contain a small amount of zinc because it contributes to the adhesive formula that works well within the mouth. A small amount of zinc is appropriate for the human body, but larger quantities can do damage. Denture cream has been found to be the source of zinc poisoning for many denture wearers, in situations where a poor denture fit has required repetitive use of the adhesive cream.
Zinc Poisoning
The two largest manufacturers of denture cream are GlaxoSmithKline, a major pharmaceutical company that manufactures Poligrip and SuperPoligrip; and Proctor & Gamble, the company that has Fixodent on the market. In recent years several lawsuits have been brought against these companies by individuals who have suffered zinc poisoning as the result of denture cream use.
It takes an extended period of time using large amounts of denture cream for an individual to develop zinc poisoning. However there has been no reason for denture wearers to suspect that there would be side effects associated with denture cream use. There are thirty five million denture wearers in the United States and undoubtedly a significant fraction of that number has ill-fitting dentures.
Physical Damage
The build up of zinc in the body will cause zinc poisoning, but it will also deplete the levels of copper in the body, another mineral that is essential to human physiology and that must be held at a certain level. People who have experienced side effects from the liberal use of denture cream report fatigue, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and difficulty with balance.
Severe cases of zinc poisoning can lead to an irreversible state of neuropathy that will leave the sufferer incapacitated, with great weakness and limited use of the arms and legs. In June of 2008 the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology carried an article that detailed the impact of zinc poisoning on four patients, two of whom were confined to wheelchairs as the result of heavy usage of Poligrip or Fixodent.
Legal Action
Dozens of lawsuits have been brought on behalf of denture cream users who have suffered neuropathy and irreversible injury as the result of using one of these products. Many experts feel that because a majority of the denture wearers in this country are elderly, conditions of weakness in the arms and legs or loss of balance may have been misdiagnosed as something other than zinc poisoning.
If you or a relative has suffered side effects from the use of denture cream you should be in touch with an experienced attorney who can review your case with you. Give us a call or fill out the brief form on this page and one of our attorneys will be in touch with you shortly to provide you with an expert’s view of your case – at no charge.