Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning | Fixodent, Super Poligrip
Denture creams are used to hold false teeth in place. An estimated 35 million people in the United States wear dentures, and 1/3 use denture cream. The most widely used denture cream products are Fixodent, Poligrip and Super Poligrip. Now some doctors are saying that excessive use of denture creams such as Fixodent or Super Poligrip may cause severe problems due to overuse that cause denture wearers to receive high doses of zinc.
Zinc is a mineral that in small doses, is good for the body. In fact, many vitamin supplements contain small amounts of zinc. However, in large doses, zinc can cause zinc poisoning, the symptoms of which are lethargy, dizziness and copper deficiency that can lead to neurological disorders including permanent numbness in the limbs.
Poligrip and Super Poligrip. Now some doctors are saying that excessive use of denture creams such as Fixodent or Super Poligrip may cause severe problems due to overuse that cause denture wearers to receive high doses of zinc.
In a June, 2008 study published in the Journal of Neurology, authors speculate that using denture cream in large amounts caused neuropathic symptoms in four patients. According to the leading researcher in the study, Dr. Sharon Nations, “The patients were using at least two tubes of denture cream a week…So, it was long exposure to very high amounts of denture cream that led to their problem.” One of the patients suffered from nerve damage, resulting in weakness in the hands and poor balance. The second patient had nerve damage that caused cognitive problems, urinary incontinence and weakness in the arms and legs. She ultimately became dependent on a wheelchair. The conclusion of this study was that “"Denture cream contains zinc, and chronic excessive use may result in hypocupremia [copper deficiency] and serious neurologic disease."
Poligrip and Super Poligrip. Now some doctors are saying that excessive use of denture creams such as Fixodent or Super Poligrip may cause severe problems due to overuse that cause denture wearers to receive high doses of zinc.
Like many over-the-counter products, the FDA does not require manufacturers to list how much zinc is in their denture creams. However, the researchers in the June, 2008 study tested the products and found that zinc levels varied from 17 to 34 milligrams per gram of denture cream. According to Dr. Jaya Trivedi who co-authored the study, “If you have poorly fitting dentures, then seek professional help. Go and see your dentist, because we don’t want them to be using large amounts of denture cream to keep the dentures in place.”
Poligrip and Super Poligrip. Now some doctors are saying that excessive use of denture creams such as Fixodent or Super Poligrip may cause severe problems due to overuse that cause denture wearers to receive high doses of zinc.
GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Super Poligrip, admits that zinc is one of the denture cream’s main ingredient, but said the risk of zinc poisoning is minimal when the product is used as directed. A Proctor and Gamble representative stated that, "All Fixodent products undergo rigorous scientific evaluations and safety testing. ... All Fixodent products are made, packaged and labeled in accord with FDA manufacturing practices." However Dr. Charles Wakefield of Baylor College of Dentistry commented that most people who use over-the-counter denture creams use more than the recommended amount because their dentures are poorly-fitted. He also said that the mouth’s membranes absorb minerals and medicines more than anywhere else in the body, so people may be soaking more zinc into their gums than they should, causing zinc toxicity.
Poligrip and Super Poligrip. Now some doctors are saying that excessive use of denture creams such as Fixodent or Super Poligrip may cause severe problems due to overuse that cause denture wearers to receive high doses of zinc.
The FDA is evaluating the Journal of Neurology study, and comparing it to the complaints submitted to the organization. In the last three years, lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of denture cream, and many denture wearers suffering neurological problems are seeking legal counsel. If you or someone you know uses denture cream and has experienced any of the side effects mentioned above, please fill out the questionnaire to the right of this page for a free consultation.
