In 2008, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center published a study linking zinc poisoning and denture creams in the journal Neurology.

The article, "Denture cream: An unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease," details findings in four denture-wearing patients who were found to have neurologic diseases related to copper deficiency.

On analyzing Fixodent and Poligrip denture creams, researchers found that they contained zinc. After the patients stopped using the creams, the zinc level decreased to the safe zone in three of the four.

What Is Zinc Poisoning?

Zinc is a metal. A balanced diet includes a small amount of zinc -- typically the healthy daily intake for a normal adult is between 12 and 15 milligrams -- but, as you now know, excessive amounts of zinc can lead to zinc poisoning, copper deficiency and neurologic disorders.

Symptoms of denture-cream related zinc poisoning, characterized by hypocupremia (a too-low level of copper in the blood) and hyperzincemia (a too-high level of zinc in the blood) include:

• Balance problems
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs or feet
• Weakness in the hands or legs
• Lack of coordination
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Lethargy
• Anemia

Denture Cream Manufacturers

Super Poligrip is made by GlaxoSmithKline, based in the United Kingdom. In October 2009, more than a year after the study in Neurology was published, GSK added a warning to Super Poligrip. The product label now indicates that use of an excessive amount of the denture cream may cause serious health effects.

In February 2010, GSK issued a press release highlighting the dangers associated with zinc poisoning and denture creams. It also announced that it would stop making zinc-containing denture adhesives.

Fixodent is made by Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble. Although the study linking zinc poisoning to Fixodent was published in 2008, it wasn't until the spring of 2010 that Procter & Gamble finally placed a warning label on Fixodent. That label acknowledges that excessive and prolonged zinc exposure has been linked to adverse health consequences.

Denture Cream Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one wears dentures and suffers from zinc poisoning or other disorder and you want to learn more about denture cream lawsuits, contact Carey, Danis & Lowe by filling out our online contact form or calling 800-721-2519 toll free. We can help. Carey & Danis is a national law firm that represents individuals injured by America's largest corporations.