Denture cream products have been on the market for over 30 years and have offered denture wearers the benefit of not losing their grip or dentures while eating.
Denture cream products have long been made with zinc and it is this ingredient that has been looked at in the medical community. Denture creams were first classified by the FDA as a “Class 1 medical device” and were considered a low risk item that did not need any labeling requirements. Denture creams also come with no warning stickers for side effects.
It was the FDA’s decision many years ago to not have warning labels and perhaps this issue needs be revisited.
There are two US based companies that make these products. GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Polident, and Procter & Gamble Co., maker of Fixodent.
GlaxoSmithKline has fully admitted that zinc is one of SuperPoligrip's main ingredients. In a statement, GSK said the risk of zinc poisoning is "minimal" when the product is "used as directed."
But used as directed doesn’t mean that there isn’t any potential harm that may arise with long periods of extended use. People who wear dentures rely on these products and typically use them as a daily routine. Most are applying the denture cream in the mornings and after eating. It is this continuing long term use that appears to be the problem.
In a news story that broke in 2007, a North Texas man claims he was poisoned from the use of his denture cream. Meet Mr. Gerald Elliott from Ellis County Texas.
Mr. Elliott has problems walking and can barely feel his feet. To quote: The problem with my feet is they're almost totally dead," he said. "I can hardly feel."
His doctor diagnosed him with zinc toxicity. After a review of his lifestyle the conclusion was that it was the daily use of his denture cream that has lead to the problem.
He isn’t the only person to have been diagnosed with zinc toxicity from the use of these creams. There are many news stories that can be found online of people suffering this same malady.
The legal community is taking note of this, and we have found many websites that are gathering information from those affected by long term use of denture creams. Potential class action lawsuits may begin.
denture cream Attorney
