In a 2008 Neurology study by researches at the University of Colorado, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas dental creams may be the cause of excessive zinc in patients that used denture adhesive to adhere their teeth. The study said high doses of zinc can cause a deficiency in copper and that has been linked to nerve damage. The study said that using large amounts of the denture adhesive provides the user with several times over the daily recommended zinc allowance.
The American Dental Association said in May 2009, that it had found no neurological problems that are linked to the normal use of denture creams. It also said people with loose fitting dentures should have them adjusted by a dentist.
Dozens of lawsuits have been brought against Glaxo and Procter and Gamble Co. There are not as many lawsuits against Proctor & Gamble. Their product, Fixodent, has a lower level of zinc. A spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble said the company has no plans to change Fixodent it is safe when used as directed.
GlaxoSmithKline is taking a voluntary and precautionary measure to stop making and supplying the products that have links to health problems due to excessive use over a long period of time. The company will reformulate the denture creams without zinc. The GlaxoSmithKline denture adhesive creams that contain zinc are Super PoliGrip Original, Extra Care and Ultra Fresh products. The company does market zinc free creams including Super PoliGrip Comfort Seal Strips, Super PoliGrip Powder and Super PoliGrip Free.
I have been using Poli-Grip for about 14 years due to weight loss & bone weight loss. I have had my dentures re-aligned numerous times but still require the adhesive in order to function & eat & speak clearly. I also have severe Grave’s Disease & Crohn’s disease.
I am now experiencing Neurological symptoms such as numbness & tingling in my hands & feet, and most disturbing, the inability to talk clearly. These episodes occur about 2 times per week & no one has been able to come to a medical conclusion as yet. These symptoms are considerably worrisome & scary. I often feel as if I am going to become unconcious & unable to breathe adequately. Could this be due to use of Dental Adhesive? And if so, what should I be doing next to rectify this incredibly “scarry” situation???
Thanks for your insight.
Desperate in Barrie, Ontario, CANADA
Michelle, I too have Crohn’s disease. The numbness and tingling was a huge problem that I had a couple of years ago. I think it is more likely related to hypercoagubility of the blood in this disease. Internal infections, due to Crohn’s, can lead to loss of mental acuity as well. Last time that happened to me they put me a good long round of antibiotics and it cleared up. The numbness lessened when they got the Crohn’s into remission.