Denture Cream: Hidden Threat?

Dentures are a common commodity in today’s society; many people with dental problems wear them. What most people don’t realize is that denture creams pose a hidden threat to people who use them regularly. An August 2008 article in the “Neurology” journal found that three of the most popular brands of denture cream- Super Poli Grip, Poli Grip, and Fixodent- all contain high levels of zinc that cause severe side effects when overused. Generally, denture cream consumers are unaware of the threat posed by misuse of the product. Even more alarming is the fact that these same people don’t realize that they are misusing the product.

The manufacturers of these denture creams are not required to, and therefore do not, list zinc as an ingredient in their product. Not only is zinc not listed as an ingredient, but also the manufacturer’s usage directions are incredibly vague. There is no specific amount suggested for usage- there is merely a direction suggesting use “once a day, unless otherwise directed by your dentist.” These vague directions are augmented by a tiny illustration depicting a pair of dentures and where the cream should be applied. Research has shown that using these creams as recommended is not dangerous. The problem is that not many people use it as directed.

Many people who wear dentures find that the dentures do not fit perfectly. Over time our gums shrink and this can lead to problems with fitting of dentures. Instead of replacing the dentures, most people apply more denture cream to compensate. This is where the problem lies. An August 2008 article in the journal “Neurology” said that one tube of denture cream should last anywhere from 3 to 10 weeks. The study also found that most people who reported adverse side effects from denture cream use were using 2 tubes per week. These people are exposing themselves to extremely high levels of zinc. The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 8-11 mg. People using excessive denture cream recorded levels of 330 mg. This exposure eventually leads to zinc poisoning and depleted copper levels in the body.

Symptoms of zinc poisoning include suffering from paralysis, tingling in hands, pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness in the arms and legs and other neurological problems. Patients also complain of having the sensation of wearing gloves and socks even if their hands and feet are bare.

Zinc poisoning may also lead to a diagnosis of two conditions called dysesthesias and paresthesias. Dysesthesias causes patients to feel itching, burning, wetness, electric stock and the feelings of pins and needles. Their hands and feet feel very uncomfortable, especially when they touch something. Patients may also have lesions on their central or peripheral nervous system. Paresthesias is very similar and includes feelings of warmth, burning itching, cold and skin crawling. Zinc poisoning can also cause anemia, bone marrow failure and neuropathy

It is recommended that denture wearers use caution when applying denture creams. If you currently use Poli Grip, Super Poli Grip, or Fixodent it is recommended that you find a substitute brand. If you insist on using one of these brands it is recommended that you ask your dentist for the recommended usage.

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Finally, Raptiva Removed From Market

July 29, 2009

After many warnings and unfortunately, many cases of serious infections, Raptiva manufacturer Genentech has removed Raptiva from the US market. Although Raptiva is believed to put users at risk for a number of serious infections, the main reason for its removal from the market was the number of cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) being reported by users of Raptiva.

A statement made by Genentech said that the drug was expected to be unavailable in the US by June 8, 2009. As a result of this recall, doctors and medical professionals are being asked to refrain from prescribing Raptiva for new patients and discuss transitioning existing patients to alternative treatments.

PML is a very serious progressive neurologic disease that affects people whose immune systems have been greatly weakened. PML often leads to a decline in neurologic function that as of now is irreversible. There have also been a number of cases reported where death has resulted.

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Fosamax Linked to Yet Another Serious Bone Injury

July 20, 2009

Fosamax, a drug that is used to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases has been linked to yet another serious bone injury. A June 2008 study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma revealed that patients being treated with Fosamax had a staggeringly higher occurrence of low-energy femur fractures than did those who were not taking Fosamax.

A low-energy fracture is considered a fall from a standing height or less. The study showed a consistent pattern in the breaks- they were usually horizontal breaks with a beak-like overhang on one side. Dr. Joseph Lane, chief of metabolic bone disease at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said of the femur fractures, “These were peculiar fractures that would occur when the women were basically doing nothing.” The other notable distinction with these injuries was that they were occurring in what appeared to be healthy bone, not osteoporotic bone. This new injury is in addition to the earlier studies that linked long-term Fosamax use to osteonecrosis- decaying of the bone- of the jaw. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor before beginning or ending treatment with Fosamax.

If you have been taking Fosamax for an extended period of time and believe you have one of the injuries described above, please contact us for a free consultation. For further information please click here.