Virtually all of the thirty five million denture wearers in the United States use some sort of denture cream to hold their dentures in place. Some use more denture cream than others, and many who have chosen to use liberal amounts of the substance have exhibited serious neurological symptoms. The medical problems evolve from zinc poisoning, a condition that results from ingestion of excessive amounts of the mineral - which is used in the production of denture cream products.
Human intake of zinc in small amounts is healthy; however once the presence of zinc in the body becomes excessive it has a destructive effect on the copper in humans – also an essential element. Copper deficiency can lead to serious neurological symptoms; a condition that has developed for many heavy users of denture cream.
Denture users with zinc poisoning begin to exhibit symptoms of neuropathy, a general medical term that refers to such problems with nerve responses as numbness in the body. Other symptoms can include weakness in areas of the body, resulting in limitations on walking ability or the use of hands. Some patients with neuropathy have difficulty with balance and thus the ability to move while sitting or standing is impaired.
Medical Research on Denture Cream
The American Academy of Neurology has published an article on denture cream-related zinc poisoning in Neurology, its publication written for peers. The article was published in June of 2008 and in it, researchers describe the results of case studies on patients that made heavy use of either Fixodent or Poligrip, the two most popular denture creams on the market.
While there were only four patients involved in the study, the research conducted was detailed and the conclusions based on it are deemed to be reliable. All of the patients were heavy denture cream users and all were exhibiting severe neurological symptoms.
One of the subjects suffered from urinary incontinence and was impacted by balance difficulties sufficiently severe that she was confined to a wheelchair as a result. Another patient had substantial loss of function in the hands due to weakness. The researchers concluded that hypocupremia (a deficiency in copper) was the cause of these symptoms, in part, and that excessive use of denture cream products may lead to zinc poisoning.
Legal Action on Zinc Poisoning from Denture Cream
Denture cream users have begun filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of Poligrip and Fixodent. One of the cases has been settled out of court, suggesting that at least one manufacturer of denture cream would prefer to see little or no discussion of denture cream zinc poisoning in court.
The more likely scenario is many lawsuits filed by denture wearers who have developed neurological symptoms that have been inexplicable to date. Many elderly people who wear dentures develop cognitive difficulties that are assigned to the aging process. These and other neurological difficulties may in fact be the result of denture cream use.
If you or a relative use denture cream and have developed chronic neurological difficulties while otherwise retaining good health, you should discuss the potential for a liability lawsuit with one of our experienced attorneys. We will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your case at no charge and if you wish, in consultation with your physician.
