Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning

Denture cream, an over-the-counter dental adhesive product used to hold dentures in place, is used by over 35 million Americans. Researchers have recently discovered a link between the zinc in denture adhesives and nerve damage. Until recently, denture cream brands including PoliGrip and Fixodent contained zinc, which if ingested in large amounts, can lead to neurological problems and even a nerve disorder like neuropathy.

Product Usage and Zinc

A small amount of zinc is an essential element for good health. 40 milligrams is the maximum recommended daily dose, with the recommended daily allowance being 10 milligrams. The manufacturers of the denture creams indicate that it is safe to use their products as directed on the product label. However, some consumers apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once per day.  High levels of zinc that are contained in these products may be absorbed into the body through the mouth and gums.

Researchers have estimated that users of denture adhesive creams, including Proctor and Gamble’s Fixodent and GlaxoSmithKline’s Poligrip and Super Poligrip, could be absorbing close to 330 milligrams of zinc per day. These creams contain zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram, and multiple applications of the creams can result in toxic levels in the system.

Increased levels of zinc may cause reduced copper levels in the blood, known as hypocupremia. This may lead to neuropathy which is the term for damage to the nerves. Common symptoms associated with neuropathy include muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms potentially resulting in the loss of balance and coordination. Damage to the sensory nerve can produce tingling, numbness, and pain.

Zinc poisoning or toxicity may also cause vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. Other symptoms of zinc poisoning can be shortness of breath, urine retention, jaundice, seizures, joint pain, chills, fever, coughing, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Denture Cream Lawsuits

Lawsuits have been filed against both GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor and Gamble for their alleged failure to warn customers about the health conditions associated with zinc poisoning. Zinc poisoning must be caught and treated early in order to have the best chance of a full recovery.

GlaxoSmithKline has voluntarily stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of their zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip "Original," "Ultra Fresh" and "Extra Care." The company further states that if you have been using zinc-containing Super Poligrip "Original," "Ultra Fresh" or "Extra Care" for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once per day, or have concerns about your health, you must:

Stop using the product.
Talk to your doctor.
Use a zinc-free alternative such as Super Poligrip "Free," Super Poligrip "Comfort Seal Strips," or Super Poligrip Powder.

GSK indicates that published reports of excessive use of denture cream have typically described usage of one to two tubes of denture adhesives a week over a period of years. The company states that consumers can continue to use the product as directed.