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Dangers of Denture Cream Causing Zinc Toxicity

Many creams manufactured to be used with dentures contain zinc. For some time, it has been known that zinc toxicity can cause severe neurological injuries that may lead to permanent injuries and, in some cases, death.

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On February 18, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline issued a safety alert to consumers regarding the potential health risks associated with the long-term use of its formulations of Super Poligrip “Original,” “Ultra Fresh” and “Extra Care” that contain zinc.  Nevertheless, the manufacturer claims that the products are safe and that zinc toxicity is only being experienced by consumers who use excessive amounts of the products.  GSK’s latest safety alert also announced that the manufacturer is currently working on zinc-free formulations of its Super Poligrip “Original,” “Ultra Fresh” and “Extra Care” products, which should be available to consumers in the future.  In the meantime, the manufacturer has suspended its manufacture, distribution and advertising of its line of denture cream products that do contain zinc. 

While GSK’s safety alert to consumers is new, safety concerns over zinc toxicity related to denture cream use have persisted for years.  In August of 2008, a medical article was published regarding four patients, all of whom were users of denture cream and suffering from neurological conditions due to elevated levels of zinc and copper deficiencies.   

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Currently, there are more than 75 lawsuits pending in federal court in Miami involving zinc-containing denture cream products (including Fixodent, Poligrip, and Super Poligrip) manufactured, sold, and marketed by SmithKline Beecham Corporation; GlaxoSmithKline, LLC; GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, LLC; GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, LP; Block Drug Company, Inc.; Proctor & Gamble Distributing Delaware, Inc.; The Proctor & Gamble Company; The Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing Co.; Proctor & Gamble Distributing Company; and The Proctor & Gamble Distributing, LLC.  The first lawsuits against the denture cream manufacturers were filed as early as 2006.

It has been estimated that more than 35 million consumers use denture cream containing zinc on a regular basis.  Patients who develop zinc toxicity (also known as hyperzincemia) can suffer from many debilitating neurological conditions. This nerve damage may be permanent and persist long after the denture cream products are discontinued.  Patients with elevated levels of zinc in their bodies can also develop a copper deficiency (also known as hypocupremia).  Patients who are concerned about potential toxicity should consult with their physician and seek a neurological evaluation as well as blood testing to determine whether they have excessive levels of zinc or depleted levels of copper in their systems. 

Acute adverse effects of high zinc intake include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Abdominal Cramps
  • Diarrhea

Ingestion of moderate to high levels of zinc per day have been associated with such chronic effects as:

  • Low Copper Status
  • Altered Iron Function
  • Reduced Immune Function
  • Reduction in Levels of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
  • Reductions in Levels of a Copper-Containing Enzyme
  • Neuropathies

The symptoms of zinc toxicity can cause severe neuropathies or nerve damage and patients with denture cream induced neurological disease suffer from some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Unexplained tingling in the extremities (arms, hands, legs and feet)
  • Sensation of wearing clothing, particularly gloves or socks, when the skin is bare
  • Burning sensation
  • Unexplained facial weakness
  • Unexplained weakness in extremities
  • Numbness
  • Balance difficulties
  • Difficulty with or a complete lack of coordination
  • Unexplained pain
  • Weakness in the facial muscles, hands, arms or legs