The human body does need zinc – but only in small amounts. Studies show that consuming at least 50 milligrams of zinc a day for a few months could lead to copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nerve damage and other problems. Ingesting 80 or 100 milligrams or more for months or even years can lead to irreversible damage.

Compelling evidence exists that long-term exposure to the zinc in denture cream can lead to not only irreversible nerve damage, but to disability, as well. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal Neurology reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. The article specifically linked excessive exposure to zinc in denture cream to “profound neurologic disease” in the patients reviewed.

In October 2009, the journal “NeuroToxicology” published an article on 11 patients who had suffered from significant injuries and neurological disorders for a period of years. The study authors discovered that all 11 patients had used Fixodent or another zinc-containing denture cream. Blood test confirmed that each suffered from zinc poisoning and copper deficiency. he authors of the “NeuroToxicology” article concluded that: “It appears the (11 patients’) disease is fully explained by denture cream use.”

Scores of people have sued Glaxo and Procter & Gamble, claiming their neurological injuries were the result of zinc in Fixodent and Super Poligrip. Last year, denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division (MDL No. 2051). The first trials in that litigation could start in early 2011.

Procter & Gamble took steps in March to inform users that excessive exposure to zinc in Fixodent could pose health risks. Without much fanfare, the company placed new information on its Web site, www.dentureliving.com, stating that some reports suggest that excessive and prolonged zinc intake may be linked to adverse health effects. Procter & Gamble also began shipping Fixodent with updated label instructions on how to apply the product.

The month prior, Glaxo went even further, and made the decision to stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of three versions of Super Poligrip that contained zinc. Glaxo said that the denture creams would be reformulated without zinc. The company’s statement read in part:

“We are taking these actions because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products.”

Still, many denture cream users are unaware of this risk. And so are a lot of their doctors.

“A lot of my clients were complaining of symptoms and go to their doctors, and the doctors will simply ignore them; they are unaware of the zinc poisoning issues.” Andy a partner with the law firm of Parker Waichman LLP, and a Co-Lead Counsel to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the denture cream litigation, recently told Dallas’ News 8. “They are unaware that these products even contain zinc.”

Excessive exposure to zinc in denture creams has been associated with neurological injuries in some users. The human body does need zinc – but only in small amounts. Studies show that consuming at least 50 milligrams of zinc a day for a few months could lead to copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nerve damage and other problems. Ingesting 80 or 100 milligrams or more for months or even years can lead to irreversible damage.

Last month, GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Super PoliGrip denture adhesives, announced it would stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of Super PoliGrip products that contain zinc. The company said that the denture creams would be reformulated, with zinc-free varieties expected to go on the market later this spring.

So far, Procter & Gamble has not made a similar move. The new caution was only added to the Web site in recent days. At least one law firm representing plaintiffs in denture cream poisoning lawsuits said the new information doesn’t go far enough. In a statement, New York-based Parker Waichman LLP contended that that the lack of a clear warning combined with ambiguous instructions for use only serve to enhance the danger faced by consumers. The firm is continuing to call on Procter & Gamble to issue a full and immediate recall of all Fixodent products made with zinc.

“While any new caution regarding Fixodent is a step in the right direction, it does not go nearly far enough,” says Jerrold S. Parker , founding partner of Parker Waichman LLP. “Procter & Gamble’s attempt to do this quietly will leave too many consumers unaware of the danger that Fixodent could pose to their health. As long as these products continue to be sold, they remain a serious public health threat.”

The ADA advised denture wearers to see their dentists if their dentures do not fit well, as studies indicate that the problems are linked particularly to patients who have ill-fitting dentures and use excessive amounts of denture cream with zinc. The statement pointed out that regular dental examinations and appropriate care can reduce the need for denture adhesive products. The ADA also said it will continue to monitor the issue of zinc in denture creams.

The ADA statement was released just after GlaxoSmithKline announced it would voluntarily stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of Super PoliGrip denture creams that contain zinc. In a letter to dentists dated February 18, GlaxoSmithKline acknowledged that in 2009 it received an increased number of adverse event reports describing the development of neurological symptoms, myeloneuropathy and blood dyscrasias. According to the letter, those reports, together with the published literature, suggest that excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams may lead to the development of excessive levels of zinc in the blood, associated with copper deficiency.

The letter said that as a precautionary measure, GlaxoSmithKline would stop manufacturing, marketing and advertising Super PoliGrip products made with zinc. Those products – Super PoliGrip ‘Original’, ‘Ultra Fresh’ and ‘Extra Care’ – will be reformulated, with new zinc free varieties expected to be available this spring. In spite of this action, none of these products is being recalled and those currently in stores are still available for sale.

Procter & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, the other zinc-containing denture cream on the market, has not indicated any plans to reformulate their products.

On February 18, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline announced it would voluntarily stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of three Super PoliGrip denture cream products that contain zinc. GlaxoSmithKline said it had made the decision because recent publications suggest an excessive intake of zinc-containing denture adhesives, such as the Super PoliGrip products, over several years may lead to the development of neurological symptoms.

The Super PoliGrip products subject to this announcement include Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' or 'Extra Care'. This action does not affect any zinc-free Super PoliGrip products, including Super PoliGrip 'Free,' Super PoliGrip 'Comfort Seal Strips', or Super PoliGrip 'Powder'. These products remain available to consumers.

In a statement posted on its Web site, Glaxo said it stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of the three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip products as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to consumers. The company also said it had discussed the matter with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and no further action is necessary.

A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams like the Super PoliGrip products can result in copper depletion and serious negative adverse neurological effects.

Excessive exposure to zinc in products like Super PoliGrip can cause, among other things, myeloneuropathy, a nervous system disorder that can be serious, with symptoms that include numbness or weakness in the limbs, poor balance and difficulty walking. Blood disorders, including a reduced numbers of red blood cells, which is called anemia, or reduced numbers of certain white blood cells, which can be called leucopenia or neutropenia, can also occur.

According to Glaxo's statement, consumers who 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 their health, must:

1. Stop using the product.
2. Talk to their doctor.
3. Use a zinc-free alternative.

Glaxo said it is currently in the process of reformulating Super PoliGrip 'Original', Super PoliGrip 'Ultra Fresh' and Super PoliGrip 'Extra Care' to non-zinc formulations. The new versions should be in stores by Mid April 2010.

Consumers with questions about this action can call Glaxo toll free at 1-866-640-1017.

Gilley wore dentures from a young age because a genetic condition had ruined her teeth. She had used a denture cream made with zinc every day to hold her dentures in place. 

At only 26, Gilley was suffering from unexplained symptoms such as numbness in her feet and legs and labored breathing. One day, Gilley had to be rushed to the hospital after she collapsed.

According to Time, Gilley was at first diagnosed with leukemia, but blood tests for that disease were negative. Finally, a year after she first sought help for her problems, Gilley was diagnosed with denture cream zinc poisoning.

According to Time, Gilley can no longer walk and relies on a wheelchair. She is among the scores of people who have filed lawsuits alleging zinc poisoning from products like Poligrip and Fixodent. Denture cream lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use.

Last fall, the many denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).

One of the most telling signs of poor fitting dentures is denture pain.  When a patient is first fitted with dentures, they can be expected to experience some soreness during the first few weeks of wear. However if denture  pain is  continuous and long lasting, ill fitting dentures could be to blame.

When a denture rests snugly against the gums and doesn't slide around,  pain shouldn't be an issue.  But if dentures do not fit well, the pain caused can be excruciating.  This pain is the result of soft gum tissue being  sandwiched by a hard jawbone and the hard denture base.  This can lead to swelling, which will further impede the fit of the dentures, and make the pain worse.

Ill fitting dentures can also lead to painful, chronic mouth sores.  Candidiasis, a fungal

infection that also is called oral thrush, has been seen in people with poor fitting dentures.  Candidiasis may form a the corners of the mouth with poor fitting dentures.

People with ill-fitting dentures can also experience malnutrition.  A poor fit can cause people with dentures to avoid hard foods, or foods that require a lot of chewing.  Just the act of eating such foods can cause these people severe denture pain.

In 2003, the Third National Health and Examination Survey found that people with ill fitting dentures had lower dietary quality scores, consumed fewer fruits and vegetables and ate a lower variety of foods in their diet as compared with subjects with some of their own teeth, or people with properly fitting dentures.

The same study found that people with poor fitting dentures received inadequate amounts of absorbic acid and carotene in their diets.  Intake of vitamin C, E, beta carotene, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin were all significantly lower among people with ill-fitting dentures. 

Surprisingly, many people with ill-fitting dentures are at risk of developing neuropathy. Neuropathy is a condition that causes tingling or numbness in certain areas of the body, especially the hands and feet.  These sensations range from mild to painful.  If left untreated, neuropathy can cause permanent disability.

Neuropathy is not a consequence of the dentures themselves, but with the excessive amounts of denture cream many people use in an attempt to fix the problem.  Many denture creams, including popular brands like Super PoliGrip and Fixodent, contain zinc.  Excessive exposure to zinc can cause copper depletion, which can eventually lead to the symptoms of neuropathy.

In August 2008, the journal "Neurology" published a report on four denture cream users who developed severe neurological symptoms typical of  neuropathy.  The authors of the report, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, determined that the patients' symptoms were caused by their exposure to zinc in denture cream.

All of the patients in the study used at least two tubes of denture cream every week.  When used as directed, a tube of denture cream should last around 3 weeks.  Several of the subjects had been using excessive amounts of denture cream on a daily basis for years.  All of the patients had abnormally high levels of zinc in their blood, accompanied by abnormally low levels of copper. 

Some of the patients neuropathy symptoms improved when they stopped using denture cream.  Unfortunately, none of the patients recovered completely, even after they began taking copper supplements.

Poor fitting dentures should never be thought of as a minor health problem.  People with dentures who are experiencing denture pain or mouth sores should see their dentist immediately.  It is also important to continue with regular dental visits, as denture fit can change over time.

Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning | Lawsuits, Lawyers | Side Effects: Nerve Damage, Zinc Poisoning, Unexplained Pain | Fixodent Poligrip

Many denture creams and adhesives  - including Fixodent and Poligrip - contain zinc, which in excess, can result in copper deficiency and lead to serious neurological problems.   A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to more than 10 times the amount of recommended zinc can result in zinc poisoning. Zinc poisoning can be deadly if not caught and treated quickly. In August 2008, the journal "Neurology" reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper deficiency.   It was determined that excess use of dental creams could have been responsible for their symptoms.

Poligrip Fixodent Zinc Poisoning Lawsuit

Most people are not even aware that denture creams contain this potentially-dangerous ingredient. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require disclosure of the potential for denture cream zinc poisoning on these products. Our Fixodent Poligrip zinc poisoning nerve damage lawyers believe that the manufacturers of these products have failed to warn consumers of their toxic properties, and we intend to hold them accountable for this negligence.

Poligrip Fixodent Zinc Poisoning

Approximately 35 million Americans  wear dentures, most of whom are elderly.  Because of inadequate or non-existent warnings, the zinc poisoning from denture creams has the potential to become a major public health disaster.  Patient advocates have pushed for greater disclosure about zinc hazards related to denture cream, but as of now, manufacturers have failed to provide adequate warnings.

Exposure to excess zinc can lead to unexplained weakness, numbness, loss of sensation or other nerve symptoms.  Denture cream users who experience such symptoms should consult their doctor. Tests for zinc levels in the blood can determine quickly if denture cream hyperzincemia is to blame. If not detected early and treated, the effects of zinc poisoning can be permanent.

Severe zinc poisoning can lead to neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in  strength or ability to move  legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in  walking stride.

The neurological problems caused by excess exposure to the zinc contained in dental creams can be devastating.  In some cases, patients suffering from zinc poisoning have been confined to wheelchairs. While stopping the use of denture cream with zinc results in improvement of zinc levels in the blood of most patients, victims may only experience a mild improvement of their symptoms. 

These injuries are  preventable, but the manufacturers of denture creams have neglected to included stronger warnings about zinc poisoning on the products' labels. The failure to do so has left many denture cream users disabled and unable to work, at a time when they may be facing significant medical bills.   For that reason, our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers will work hard to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Report on Denture Creams and Zinc Poisoning

In August 2008, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas reported on four patients who suffered from neuropathy and other neurological problems associated with zinc poisoning.  All were denture cream users.  The article, published in "Neurology", noted that one tube of denture cream should last 3 to 10 weeks,  but patients in the report were all using at least two tubes a week. Three had also lost their teeth at a relatively young age, meaning they had  used "extremely large amounts of denture adhesive daily for years."

The researchers tested the denture creams the four patients used, and found zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram.  Based on the patients' denture cream use, the researchers estimated that they were exposed to at least 330 mg of zinc daily, far more than the recommended daily allowance of 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. The National Academy of Sciences stated in 2001 that the largest daily tolerable zinc intake is 40 mg.

According to the University of Texas researchers, all of the patients had abnormally high levels of zinc in their blood, accompanied by abnormally low levels of copper.  Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL.  The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.

To treat symptoms, one patient took copper supplements but didn't stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. A second patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.

Another  patient's neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed "mild neurological improvement" after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.

Individuals with ill-fitting dentures may use excess cream in order to secure their dentures. The University of Texas researchers recommended that patients facing this problem seek professional help, and possibly have their dentures replaced, in order to avoid using too much denture cream.  Unfortunately, as our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers have found, manufacturers are unwilling to disclose the amount or type of zinc in their products.  This makes it impossible for consumers to assess the hazard of zinc poisoning caused by denture creams.

Poligrip Fixodent Legal Help for Victims of Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning - Fixodent Poligrip Zinc Poisoning Lawsuit

If you or someone you love suffers from dental neuropathy,  denture cream hypocupremia, denture cream hypocupremia, denture creams numbness or additional neurological symptoms that you believe were caused by zinc in denture creams, you have valuable legal rights.  Please fill out our online form or call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a Poligrip Fixodent zinc poisoning side effects lawsuit lawyer at our firm.