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Does Denture Cream Really Cause Zinc Poisoning?
Denture cream has been made with zinc since the mid-1990s, but it wasn't until the last few years that patients began reporting problems involving zinc poisoning from denture cream use.
That begs the question: is there really a link between zinc poisoning and denture creams like Fixodent, PoliGrip, and Super Poligrip? Actually, studies have shown that there is.
Why was it so long before zinc poisoning was reported? Many people question the legitimacy of zinc poisoning claims, since there were no denture cream problems before. There may have been problems, though, since the moment denture creams with zinc were first produced and sold by manufacturers. Zinc poisoning is easy to misdiagnose, as a number of other conditions can cause the same symptoms. In addition, many older Americans, the main users of denture cream, have diabetes, which can cause some similar problems. So, it took nearly a decade for doctors to figure out that the levels of zinc in denture cream may be a problem.
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Have any studies proven a link? Soon after the first denture cream hyperzincemia case (zinc poisoning) was reported, researchers at the University of Texas began studying this claim further. Their findings do show that denture cream has the potential to cause zinc poisoning. Unfortunately, one study does not constitute proof in the medical world, and the research was limited. While many doctors do believe that denture cream can cause zinc poisoning, more studies are needed before the FDA or drug manufacturers will deem the product unsafe and issue a recall.
What do the drug companies say? Both GlaxoSmithKline, who makes PoliGrip and Super PoliGrip, and Proctor and Gamble, who makes Fixodent, have maintained that their products are safe. Both claim that they've run tests to ensure that the levels of zinc in their products will not cause problems, assuming that the denture creams are used correctly. However, most of the people who use denture creams do so because their dentures fit poorly, so this demographic is likely to use more cream than recommended, which can lead to the poisoning.
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What does the FDA say? Currently denture creams containing zinc have not been recalled by the FDA. They encourage people who believe they've been poisoned to come forward and file reports so they can compile information about zinc poisoning claims. In other words, the more people experiencing problems, the more likely it will be that the FDA issues a recall. Not everyone who uses denture creams experiences problems, but a recall can help make these products safer for everyone. That's why it is so important to file a lawsuit if you've experienced problems, even if you don't need the money. After talking to your doctor, call a personal injury lawyer with pharmaceutical experience to learn more about your rights against those responsible for your medical problems.
