More than 30 million Americans wear dentures and use denture cream. Denture creams form a barrier, preventing food from working its way into the space between the dentures and the gums or the roof of the mouth. However, many denture cream users are unaware that popular denture cream brands including Poligrip and Fixodent can cause serious health problems. These denture cream brands contain the mineral zinc. When too much zinc is ingested, it can cause zinc poisoning which can lead to copper deficiency and neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves.

On a daily basis, women should intake 8mg of zinc, while men should receive 11mg. However, denture cream users can be ingesting up to 300mg per day because their dentures do not fit properly. Unfortunately, this excess use can lead to zinc poisoning, copper deficiency and neurological problems. The FDA does not currently require these denture cream brands to include the ingredients on the label or to inform consumers about the possibility of denture cream zinc poisoning. This is because denture cream is classified by the FDA as a low risk medical product (Class I).

Symptoms of zinc poisoning include numbness, tingling in the extremities, loss of sensation, poor balance and heaviness in the arms or legs. Denture cream users who experience these symptoms should see their doctor immediately, as zinc poisoning can lead to bone marrow failure, anemia and spinal cord damage. Unfortunately, many doctors are misdiagnosing zinc poisoning as multiple sclerosis, demyelinating syndrome and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. If not detected early and treated effectively, the effects of zinc poisoning can be permanent and debilitating.  The mouth's membranes absorb minerals and medications more readily than other parts of the body, so persons with ill-fitting dentures who might be forced to use more than the recommended amount of denture cream are at a greater risk for being exposed to high amount of zinc.

Many denture cream lawyers are now taking on lawsuits to hold these denture cream manufacturers responsible for their failure to warn of denture cream health hazards. If you use Fixodent or Poligrip denture cream and you are experiencing symptoms of zinc poisoning, it is important to seek both medical and legal help. Fill out the form below to receive a free evaluation of your denture cream case.