Yourlawyer.com (Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning News)

Denture Creams May Cause Nerve Damage, Neuropathy

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Not many Americans have heard of denture cream poisoning A rare ailment, denture cream zinc poisoning can cause serious and debilitating nerve damage. The disorder is associated with excessive exposure to zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent.

Denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip contain zinc as a bonding agent. People who ingest too much zinc run the risk of copper depletion. That condition can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance and coordination problems, and pain and weakness in the extremities. When it is really severe, the nerve damage caused by denture cream zinc poisoning can eventually lead to neuropathy, a debilitating disorder.

Currently, 25 denture cream poisoning lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. The lawsuits allege that the zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent caused plaintiffs to suffer a serious copper deficiency which in turn led to neurological problems. The lawsuits also claim that the makers of these products did not provide adequate warnings about their potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken. It is likely that more denture cream lawsuits will be filed in the coming weeks and months.

About 35 million Americans wear dentures. Unfortunately, most don't realize that using too much denture cream can be dangerous. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require denture adhesive cream manufacturers to include warnings about the problem on their labels. In fact, the FDA does not even require that denture cream labels list ingredients.

In 2008, the journal Neurology published a study that found a link between zinc-containing denture creams and neuropathy. The study involved four patients who, according to researchers at the University of Texas, used an average of two tubes of denture adhesive every week. 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.

Unfortunately, the damage the patients suffered was not easily reversed. 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 neurologic improvement” after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.

It is vital that anyone who uses zinc denture creams like Poligrip or Fixodent be aware of the dangers posed by these products. Often the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning mimic other neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Denture cream users who experience numbness and tingling in their arms and legs, balance and movement problems, or any other neurological symptoms should ask their doctor to run blood tests to determine zinc an copper levels in order e to rule out or confirm denture cream poisoning.

25 Denture Cream Lawsuits Pending, More Filings Expected

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

More than two dozen denture cream lawsuits from 11 states have been consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation in Federal court in Miami, Florida. According to the Associated Press, the lawsuits allege that zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent caused plaintiffs to suffer a serious copper deficiency which in turn lead to neurological problems.

As we've reported previously, a small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. According to the Associated Press, copper deficiency can lead to symptoms like weakness and numbness in arms and legs; difficulty walking and loss of balance; and even cognitive or memory impairment.

These types of problems were seen in four patients detailed in a 2008 article that appeared in the journal, “Neurology.” All of the patients had been using excessive amounts of denture cream for many years. It was determined that exposure to zinc in denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms. The authors of the article called for further study of the issue.

According to the Associated Press, a tube of denture cream should last around 10 weeks. But many people who have suspected cases of denture cream poisoning used excessive amounts of the products to keep loose fitting dentures in place. The American Dental Association advises against the overuse of denture adhesives to correct fit problems

Both GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, and Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, claim their products are safe if used correctly. But lawsuits filed by alleged victims of denture cream poisoning claim the makers of these products did not provide adequate warnings about their potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken, the Associated Press said.

Currently, 25 denture cream poisoning lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. But according to an attorney representing victims, more are likely to be filed. A hearing in the litigation is scheduled for next month, the Associated Press said.

Poligrip, Fixodent Lawsuits Claiming Zinc Poisoning Being Filed Around the Country

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Poligrip and Fixodent denture creams have been named in a number of lawsuit filed in federal courts around the country that allege exposure to zinc in the products caused users to suffer from neuropathy and other neurological problems. According to the National Law Journal, the lawsuits name GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, and Proctor and Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, as defendants.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits contend that the zinc in denture cream can cause copper deficiency, and that in turn can lead to severe neurological problems. As we've reported previously, a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found that four neuropathy patients who had used excessive amounts of denture cream had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood. Their use of denture cream was the only thing the patients had in common, besides their neuropathy. The researchers from the University of Texas who conducted the study concluded that the use of denture cream was the only “plausible explanation” for the patients' high zinc levels and copper deficiencies.

Symptoms of zinc denture cream poisoning 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;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.

Most of the more than 35 million Americans who wear dentures have no idea that denture adhesives can be dangerous. Because denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip are considered to be a Class I medical device, the Food & Drug Administration does not require their labels to warn that excessive use may lead to zinc poisoning and neurological problems.

According to the National Law Journal, a dozen denture cream lawsuits are now pending in federal courts in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and others are on the way. One law firm, Morgan & Morgan, told the Journal that it is in the process of evaluating about 3,000 such cases and is nearly ready to file about 40. It has partnered with two other firms, including New York-based Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, that together have about 75 denture cream lawsuits ready to go, the National Law Journal said.

On May 28, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, Kentucky held hearings about possibly consolidating all federal lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble in a single jurisdiction.

Poor Fitting Dentures, Denture Pain Linked to a Variety of Health Woes

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Poor fitting dentures are often more than just uncomfortable. When dentures don't fit, wearers can experience severe denture pain, as well as a variety of health problems. These problems can include mouth sores, malnutrition, and even a condition called neuropathy that can lead to permanent disability.

Poor fitting dentures can have a far-reaching impact on the quality of a person's life. For that reason, it is important to see a dentist if you experience denture pain or mouth sores, as these symptoms can be the first sign of an improper fit. Under no circumstances should someone with dentures attempt to "fix" fit problems with denture creams or other means, as this could lead to more serious consequences down the road.

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 Creams Associated with Zinc Poisoning, Neuropathy and Neurological Problems

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Denture creams, used by millions of people to keep their dentures in place, can cause serious health problems. Denture creams, such as PoliGrip and Fixodent, contain zinc, which if ingested in large amounts, can lead to copper deficiency, neurological problems and even a nerve disorder called neuropathy. Unfortunately, most denture cream users have no idea that these products are potentially dangerous, because denture cream manufacturers are not required to include safety warnings on the product labels.

For several years, it has been know that zinc-containing denture creams could cause neurological problems if too much was used. GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Super PoliGrip, has faced lawsuits filed by people who claim that they suffer from zinc poisoning caused by the product. One lawsuit, filed in 2006 by a man who had used Super PoliGrip for eight years, claimed that zinc in the product was responsible for his neuropathy. Neuropathy is a nerve disorder that causes debilitating pain in the extremities.

Earlier this summer, the journal "Neurology" reported on four people suffering from zinc poisoning that was likely caused by denture creams. All of the patients exhibited neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning. In all four cases, the patients usually used up two tubes of denture cream in a single week. One tube of denture cream should last a minimum of three weeks. Several of the patients had lost their teeth at a very early age, so they were exposed to excessive amounts of these product over a very long period of time.

The denture creams the patients used were tested for zinc concentrations, which ranged between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. The National Academy of Sciences stated in 2001 that the largest daily tolerable zinc intake is 40 mg. But 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. Blood tests indicated that all four had excessively high levels of zinc in their blood.

Unfortunately, the patients in these case studies did not improve a great deal once they stopped using dental cream. One 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 neurologic improvement” after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.

Another 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. The fourth patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream, showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.

With 35 million people using denture creams, zinc poisoning from these products has the potential to become a big public health problem. But the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't require denture cream makers to list ingredients or potential health risks on their product labels. Denture creams are considered a Class I medical device by the FDA. This means that as far as the FDA is concerned, denture creams are low-risk. Without an FDA requirement to do so, the makers of denture creams have been unwilling to provide such information to consumers.

While the FDA has failed to protect denture wearers from these dangerous products, there are some things individuals can do to protect themselves. Above all, denture creams should not be used in excess. Often people with poorly fitting dentures will use large amounts of denture creams to fix the problem. But it is far safer to seek professional help to have ill-fitting dentures refitted or replaced. Finally, people with dentures should be sure to see their dentist at least once a year, in order to make sure their dentures are fitting properly.

Poligrip Lawsuit Fixodent Lawyer Denture Cream Neuropathy

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Lawyers (Poligrip / Fixodent)

Keywords: Poligrip | Lawsuit | Fixodent | Lawyer | Denture Cream | Neuropathy

The Denture Cream Poisoning lawyers / attorneys at our firm are offering free consultations to individuals suffering from neurological problems, including neuropathy, as a result of excess zinc in dental creams, including Poligrip and Fixodent. If you or someone you know uses Poligrip, Fixodent or another brand of denture cream and suffers from neuropathy or other neurological symptoms, we urge you to contact one of our denture cream zinc poisoning lawyers as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

Many denture creams / adhesives - including Fixodent and Poligrip - contain zinc, which in excess, can deplete copper 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 depletion. It was determined that excess use of dental creams could have been responsible for their symptoms.

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 denture cream zinc poisoning 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.

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 a zinc overdose 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. I

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 dental 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 dental 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 neurologic 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.

Legal Help for Victims of Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning

If you or someone you love suffers from neuropathy or other 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 dental cream zinc poisoning lawyer at our firm.