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Denture Adhesive Toxic? You Betcha!

If experiencing numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, one would least likely postulate that a benign product such as a denture adhesive might be the culprit. Denture adhesives are applied to the denture before seating them onto the gums. Denture adhesives promote denture retention and comfort and are most often used by those who have ill-fitting dentures.

Research conducted by physicians from the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center discovered that denture adhesives, specifically the Fixodent and Poligrip brands contain 17 to 34 milligrams/gram of zinc per dose. In their study, four patients suffering from hyperzincemia and hypocupremia were examined. Hyperzincemia refers to high blood levels of zinc while hypocupremia is a condition where there is a low concentration of copper blood levels. All subjects in the study used denture adhesives daily. Subsequently, the subjects were exposed to at least 330 milligram of zinc per dose, about 30 times more than the recommended daily intake of 8-11 milligrams. Other possible sources of zinc were ruled out in all subjects. Upon cessation of use of the products, the zinc levels of three subjects’ improved and mild neurologic improvement resulted for two subjects who received copper supplementation. The results led to the conclusion that the use of denture adhesives may lead to zinc toxicity and copper deficiency, thereby manifesting into neurological issues.

A gentleman outside the study who was experiencing chronic neurological symptoms took the study results to his family physician. It was revealed that he was suffering neuropathy due to hyperzincemia. Sadly, he suffered with the condition for years that could easily have been detected via a simple blood test. Other factors were ruled out and his denture adhesive was determined to be responsible for his high blood level of zinc.

Denture adhesive creams come without a warning label. They are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class 1 medical device. Under this class, manufacturers are not required to list certain ingredients that are considered as bearing low risk for toxicity or injury. There are about 35 million American who wear dentures, most of which are the elderly. The majority of users are unaware of the relationship between denture adhesive creams and the potential ill effects thereof.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is required for normal body function. Zinc promotes growth, digestion of protein, maintenance of serum vitamin A concentration, burn and wound healing, acid-base balance and is required for the maintenance of taste and smell. Zinc works with key enzymes in the body that synthesize other vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals. Zinc also has antioxidant properties and plays a role in the body’s immune system. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which damage the cells. Consequently, zinc plays a role in helping to prevent heart disease, cancer and other medical maladies. These are just some of the wonderful qualities of the natural plant based essential mineral called zinc.

It is important to differentiate between 2 types of zinc. There exists a metallic chemical element of zinc which is classified as a transition metal by chemists. This is an inorganic form of zinc. This form of zinc is used in industrial applications such as the zinc plating of steel and a conductor in batteries. Zinc compounds are used in deodorants, shampoos and paints. Zinc compounds are also used in denture adhesives and are hardly the harmless nutritional form of zinc essential to human health and wellness.

An excessive amount of inorganic zinc in the body causes toxicity. Its signs and symptoms include diminished deep tendon reflexes, decreased level of consciousness, malaise, nausea and vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, leukopenia and diarrhea. Prolonged and excessive intake of inorganic zinc can reduce copper absorption, cause impaired immune system function and anemia. The normal blood level of zinc in the body is 1.10 micrograms/milliliter. In the aforementioned study, patients had levels between less than 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms/milliliter.

Copper is a component of various enzymes in the body and is important in the production of energy, formation of epinephrine, red blood cells, bones and connective tissues. When there is an excessive amount of inorganic zinc in the body, the absorption of copper decreases. In cases of hypocupremia, anemia, weakness, altered respiratory status and skin lesions can be noted. Some people experience mild depression, irritability and confusion. Osteoporosis and nerve damage may also result. Patients with nerve damage may feel tingling and loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Coordination may be affected. Normal copper blood levels are between 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms/milliliter. The subjects’ copper levels in the study ranged between 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms/milliliter.

Several diseases may occur with the excess of inorganic zinc and associated depletion of copper in the body. The primary condition found in most documented cases of hyperzincemia due to the use of denture adhesives has been peripheral neuropathy. It is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by pain, diminished reflexes, and muscle wasting in the hands and feet. Patients typically experience weakness, numbness and tingling in the extremities. Consequently, balance and coordination are affected. Because the majority of denture adhesive users are the elderly, peripheral neuropathy in this age group is an often overlooked cause of falls as physicians tend to attribute a loss of balance as normal sign of aging.

Anemia may result from hypocupremia. This is a condition where there are below normal levels of red blood cells circulating in the body. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which is a carrier of oxygen. Diminished oxygen levels are manifested by fatigue, dizziness and labored breathing. The bone marrow attempts to compensate by increasing the production of red blood cells. Osteoporosis may develop as serum copper diminishes. Bones are de-mineralized and become porous and weak. Fractures are more common and the development of curvature of the spine and shoulders can be noted.

The serious adverse effect of denture adhesives has prompted action. Currently, two lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Poligrip. Manufacturers have the responsibility to warn consumers about the inorganic zinc contents in their products and the associated risks. However, they have failed to do this. The public is unaware and unprotected against potential inorganic zinc toxicity and the consequences thereof. Users suffering from the effects of inorganic zinc toxicity and associated complications may seek compensation for the damages related to denture adhesive use. It is expected that with the advent of the campaign for awareness in the link between the use of these products and associated serious side effects, lawsuits filed against the manufacturers will increase.

Manufacturers of the identified denture adhesives have released a statement regarding the issue. GlaxoSmithKline assures that Poligrip is safe and effective when used according to directions. They defend that the inorganic zinc found in their adhesive remains in the product and is not absorbed through the delicate tissues found in the mouth. They added that it is unlikely that adverse effects will occur despite ingestion of small amounts of adhesive. Additionally, Procter & Gamble stated that Fixodent is within the standards of the FDA’s manufacturing process and they monitor the safety of their product.

The FDA maintains that although these products are classified as low risk products, the manufacturers should comply with the agency’s standards. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to report incidences of adverse events related to product use, utilize manufacturing controls and label the product in a way that is neither false nor misleading. The FDA monitors adverse events and has the authority to take action in order to protect public health. Or so it is believed.

Dentures are pricey and it is likely that patients with ill-fitting sets will not consult their dentists for realignment services. The majorities tend to fix it themselves given that denture adhesives do not require a prescription and are inexpensive. This increases the possibility of identifiable inorganic zinc toxicity cases. When in doubt, use organic products. Organic products are those that are derived from nature and are designed to compliment and sometimes enhance the delicate balance of the human body. Organic products are preservative, metal, inorganic compound and chemical free. If you are a denture wearer and are experiencing unexplained numbness, tingling or muscle weakness, seek the help of a medical professional immediately and have your blood zinc levels tested.

Dr. Linda Kennedy MS SLP ND

Posted in: Harmful Chemicals | Natural Skin Care | Well Being Tags: denture adhesive, dentures

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