Denture Cream Adhesive Lawsuits
Last Updated: March 2009 • 49 Comments
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Fixodent, Poligrip and other denture cream products can cause zinc poisoning and debilitating neurological injury when too much of the product is used. Denture cream lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these products for failing to warn about the potential risks.
STATUS OF FIXODENT LAWSUITS AND POLIGRIP LAWSUITS:
A growing number of cases have been filed against the manufacturers of these adhesives, and denture cream lawyers are continuing to review potential cases on behalf of people who have been diagnosed with zinc poisoning or other neuropathy problems.
MANUFACTURERS: Two of the most popular denture adhesives sold in the United States that contain high levels of zinc include Proctor and Gamble’s Fixodent and GlaxoSmithKline’s Poligrip and Super Poligrip.
>>CONTACT A DENTURE CREAM LAWYER<<
OVERVIEW OF DENTURE CREAM PROBLEMS: Over 35 million Americans, mainly consisting of the elderly, use denture creams or adhesives to keep their dentures in place. High levels of zinc that are contained in these products may be absorbed into the body through the mouth and gums, potentially causing:
- Zinc Poisoning
- Neuropathy
- Myelopathy
- Anemia
- Bone Marrow Failure
- Central Nervous System Deficits
- Hypocupremia
- Other Neurological Injury
ZINC POISONING LAWSUITS: While the body requires small amounts of zinc, serious and debilitating health problems may occur when high levels are ingested. Increased levels of zinc may also cause reduced copper levels in the blood, known as hypocupremia, which may lead to neuropathy and affect the nerves.
According to a 2001 report by the National Academy of Sciences, 40 mg/day is the highest amount of zinc that can be safely tolerated, but the recommended daily allowance is only 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women.
Researchers have found that denture adhesive creams like Super Poligrip and Fixodent contain zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. It has been estimated that users of these produts may be exposed to about 330 mg of zinc per day, far higher than the recommended amount or what has been determined to be safe.
Zinc toxicity may cause symptoms such as
- Dizziness
- Incontinence
- Lethargy
- Paralysis
- Numbness
- Loss of Sensation
- Tingling in the Hands or Feet
- Muscle Weakness
- Unexplained Pain
Blood tests can determine the level of zinc and copper in the body. It is important for a zinc overdose to be promptly detected and treated to reduce the risk of permanent and debilitating injury.
Comment by Linda on 21 April 2009:
I have been using Fixadent for 14 years. Since Day 1, when the dentist put in my new dentures, he also put Fixadent in my mouth. He was a horrible dentist and the dentures were a mile too big, and I have had to use a ton of Fixadent all these years. Sometimes, it’s so bad, that it makes me gag, but my dentures would fall out if I didn’t use it.
I’m on disability, now, with Arthritis in my knees; but recently, my left arm has been hurting all the way from the shoulder to my hands. It feels like arthritis, but I’m not sure. It just feels like my bones aching. Also, I have seven out of the nine symptoms listed for zinc poisoning, but I’ve never been tested for it. I always attributed the symptoms to other possible causes.
I’ve always worried about the Fixadent going into my body because I didn’t know what it might do. I didn’t know about zinc poisoning. I was always more afraid of it clogging my arteries because I knew that the cooler Fixadent gets, the harder it gets.
There is a lawyer in my area handling these denture adhesive cases. I wonder if I should contact him.
Comment by W.C. on 21 April 2009:
Approximately 10 years ago I began to feel numbness in the bottom of both of my feet. When I questioned a Dr. about this he diagnosed me to have neuropathy. Not being real sure and unfamiliar with this diagnosis I consulted a neuorological Dr. and received the same diagnosis. I have used large amounts of fixodent for years and quite honestly I don’t know how to not use it since I can’t eat if I don’t first secure my teeth. I am now to the point of being able to walk for only very short periods of time. The burning and the pain are sometimes unbearable. I am now on medication for this 1600 mg.per day of Neurontin, but it still is very painful .
Comment by marilyn on 24 April 2009:
My husband has been using poligrip for the past 25+ years. He is 61 years old and has always been in good health. I have noticed recently that in the last 6 or so months he sleeps an awful lot. He sometime goes to bed at 9:00 at night. In the past month, he has complained of his feet feeling like they are sort asleep. Like little pins and needles sticking him. I was getting worry, thinking maybe a circulation problem. Just now wonder if maybe the poligrip is the problem. I’m going to try him on some vitamins with minerals to see what happens.
Comment by kareng on 27 April 2009:
I use the powder form of Fixodent. Does it contain the same ingredients as the cream ?
Comment by Denise on 1 May 2009:
I received my dentures about 8 to 9 years ago and have used fix-a dent all the time. Just in the past 3 months i have been tread for sever pain in my joints, ie: hands, knees feet have a burning sensation on the bottom of my feet. I have been very out going and just seems to me I’ve come to a sever slow down and alot of pain. Sometimes my arms and hands go numb.
Comment by Corina on 4 May 2009:
I HAVE BEEN USING FIXODENT FOR THE PAST 5 YRS. AND LIKE LINDA HAD DENTURES SAME THING WRONG SIZE DENTURE THEY TRIED TO FIX THEM BUT STILL NO GOOD SO I HAD TO USE LOTS OF FIXODENT TO HOLD MY DENTURES OTHER WISE THEY WOULD FALL OUT I TOO GAG ALOT . ABOUT 6-7 MONTHS AGO IS WHEN I STARTED FEELING THE BURNING AND TINGLING IN MY FEET. EVERY MORNING IT IS SO HARD FOR ME TO WALK. DR ALSO GAVE ME NEURONTIN AND A PAIN MEDICENE. NEED HELP.
Comment by Alice on 5 May 2009:
I have been using Poligrip for 10 years. I don’t use a whole lot. I am in my sixties and to date have had no problems.
Comment by Mary on 13 May 2009:
I have using poligrip for six years, and i have had dizziness and awful pain in my arms and burning in my hands at night, keeping me awake.like others i wondered about the product but need it to keep my denture in place. i,ve been to the dr. but was not diagnosed with zinc poisoning. with no medical insurance it cost alot of money and i still dont feel great
Comment by tom s on 14 May 2009:
Ive only been using the cream for about a year now ,and I am feeling unexplained pain ,and Im sleeping twice as much as normal. freinds tell me ive totaly changed my ways ,in not the same person ,guess in not as energenic as i use to be
Comment by Gillian on 24 May 2009:
I have just entered my problems into Google search regarding the tingling in my arms, legs, feet, head etc and burning at top of legs. I came across your site and info regarding Denture Fixatives and nearly fell off my computer chair as I have been using Poligrip Ultra for some time now and never gave it a thought as you would assume that something made to go into the mouth would be safe. I also have an over active bladder which I am about to have some tests to see if any help is available. Also I suffer from back problems which is where I thought the problem lay.
I live in England so obviously nothing can be done through you unless you know of any source in this country for me to find out further information. I am a 70 year old widow and low on income though I am not looking for any gain except to my health.
Comment by Ladonia on 25 May 2009:
I have been using poly grip for about 24 years .Ihave noticed that I have beenhaving a lot of pain in my hands and feet .If i sit for long period of time my feet go to sleep.If I stand up more than 10 munites.I have shooting pains In my feet and legs My hands seam to go to sleep.A Lot.And cramp.
Comment by Carolyn on 3 June 2009:
Are you sure that taking Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics aren’t the culprit?
Eg: Ciprp, Avelox, Levaquin, Norfloxacin,,,any ‘flox’ antiB.
The debilitating symptoms are the same. I have taken both!!….but have always considered myself poisoned by the antiB.
Comment by Luretha on 6 June 2009:
My father has been using Fixadent for the past three years and he too has been having some unexplained pain in his feet, back leg. Up until recently, he was able to walk pretty well and only ocassionally needed to use his cane. However the last two weeks he has been experiencing a high level of increased pain in his back, foot and leg. The hospital ran tests but only found arthitis . I find this info about Fixadent, etc. to be very disturbing because my Dad has no real reason for his sudden pain.
Pingback by Denture Adhesive Cream Litigation Centralized in Southern District of Florida - AboutLawsuits.com on 11 June 2009:
[...] U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ordered that all federal denture adhesive cream lawsuits will be consolidated for pretrial litigation before District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the [...]
Comment by Tina on 12 June 2009:
I have used these denture creams for about 3 years or more until I get a new plate but I have a lot of the symptoms you have listed under the Zinc signs & I was just wondering if I may have a case against them also. I was diagnosed with Lupus not long after using these denture products for a while which may or may not be a cause of this & I have a lot of arm,shoulder & neck pain that is constant & I’ve been on flexaril,mobic & other pain meds for a while due to the pain,loss of movement,tingling & burning in my arms & legs and sometimes in my jaw area.
Comment by debra on 16 June 2009:
I’ve used fixadent for 20 yrs. and have had most of the symptoms since starting using this product.
Comment by Elizabeth on 18 June 2009:
I can’t believe that I’ve been suffering for years with my foot in pain and in the last year or two I’ve had numbness,burning, tingling, weird feeling down my arm,leg, foot….I’ve been checked and my heart is good, no breaks or fractures …….Must be stress, panic attacks…. I’ve been using Fixodent for 10 years now…..Hmmm I wonder if that has anything to do with it…
Comment by SHANAZ on 22 June 2009:
I work with diabetic patients and one of my patients mentioned his sugar levels were raised when he used polygrip or fixodent..is it true these denture products can raise sugar levels.
Comment by marsha on 26 June 2009:
I have had top dentures for 30 yrs used fixdent once in a while, in sept i had gotten bottom dentures, I now must use super poligrip twice a day. This past winter I have had such pain in my back and legs I could hardly walk. Had many tests , can’t find any thing.
Now I am getting dizzy spells.
Comment by Angela on 27 June 2009:
I am 39 years old and have been using fixadent for a year and a half now. I was perfectly healthy until about six months ago I started having the most awful feeling of numbness and tingling with burning sensations in my feet first , then my hands. I have a three year old son to raise and take care of. Im just wondering if you stop using will the symtoms go away or is it something that is going to stay with me from now on? Very worried!
Comment by Debra on 1 July 2009:
I have used Fixadent for many years. This past week I would have several spells a day where I am unable to move my arms or legs and cant open my eyes for a few mintues at the time. I can still hear but cant move anything. This just suddenly started happening and stroke and heart attack have been ruled out. I am now wondering if it is the fixadent.
Comment by larry on 9 July 2009:
i have just in the the last several months started to feel the affects of what i thought was neuropothy or maybe even arthritis. But i think this is something different.i have wore dentures for the last 25 years.all of a sudden, my feet,ankles,and calves will not let me sleep at night.I’m diabetic so i know what the affect of diabetes feels like. this is not diabetes.I believe that befores it’s allover with,This debilitating chronic pain will be put in the same catagory as breast implants.silicone seepage into our bloodstream.the manufacturers are probably already aware of it.I’m sure folk have died in the past because of it. But with todays technology we can put a finger on what’s ailing us.We are not dialing for dollars here.This is a debilitating disease.We need to put a stop to this and be compensated for our pain and suffering.
Comment by Jessica on 14 July 2009:
For those of you wondering what other product to use that will not cause zinc poisoning, there is a Polygrip Free out now that is zinc free.
Comment by Shirley on 24 July 2009:
I have been using fixodent since I was 17years old My finger joints lock up where i can no longer bend my left hand. I am on pain medicaton daily to unlock the knuckle joints. I am also on oxygen because of lack of oxygen. I have had to swallow the fixadent everytime i used it.
Comment by Bill on 28 July 2009:
I have been using Fixodent for about 12 years now, and I am having the same symptoms most of you are having. I have severe pain in my feet and hands, numbness in them as well. I wake up at night with burning pains in my feet and hands. I also will have an uncontrolled twitch every now and again, as well as loss of balance. I never would have guessed Fixodent would cause this! I just wonder what else to look forward to??
Comment by Ellen on 4 August 2009:
where in st louis can I get my blood tested for zinc levels?
Comment by Diane on 7 August 2009:
I have been using fixadent for 27 years and just found this sight. When I wake up my hands hurt so bad and feel like they are going to bust open,after I am up for a while and pain meds I get better but the pain in my hands ,back, and feet never go away.can not aford a doctor but I will try to get a blood test for Zinc levels,thought it was just I was getting old and arthrits,my hands are getting worse and the knuckles thorb all the time.the pain is in all my joints but hans ,back and feet are the worse,when I lay down it all thorbs like a dull tooth ack. Hope there is something to do for this,I would like my life back
Comment by Hedy on 14 August 2009:
I started using fixadent approximately 10 years ago. I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 5 years ago and had a stem cell transplant 4 years ago. Today was a very interesting day. After seeing this site for the first time it really makes me stop and think??
Comment by Lise on 19 August 2009:
In most cases, if you’re dentures are properly made, they should stay in place by suction and adhesives are not necessary.
Comment by Cindy on 22 August 2009:
I have been having most of these symptons over the last ten years, which is how long I have been using Fixodent. I had no idea that it contains zinc and do now understand why I have had the health issues that I have had, especially the neuropathy symptoms as well as bladder incontinence.
I will be calling to schedule a check on the zinc level. I usually use fixodent twice a day for my bottom plate and once a day for my top plate. I do leave my dentures in 24/7 cleaning them as I redo the adhesive and brushing them in between as I would have my real teeth. To think that 10 years of 24/7 with all that zinc going into my system.
This is scary and I wonder if the symptoms are reversible or what the long term effects will be. How did they get by the food and drug administration with this? Especially since it is used in the mouth.
Comment by Alan on 26 August 2009:
I have been and tried all the denture cream products on the market.The only one that lasts and is really good is Polygrip.Could you please tell me where I can buy polygrip zinc free.
The person who mentioned if you have well made dentures you don’t need cream is talking rubbish.All dentures naturally get loose through wear.Incidentally I’m writing from London,England.
Comment by Willie on 28 August 2009:
In the pass 5 years have I have had to be put on potent pain killers and 3 different kings of nerve and depression meds. I am a patient at the pain clinic and although the meds help with some pain I have so much breakthrough pain it is almost unbellievable. I plan on having a blood test run in the next 2 weeks to determine my Zinc blood level. What a miricle it would be to find out that these neurologicial and muscle and joint pain could be a result of Zinc poisioning. That you for bringing this to my attention.
Comment by Roz on 7 September 2009:
I have been using Fixodent Control plus scope flavor added in. Is this
just as bad as the regular Fixodent.
Second question, I have also used Denture Adhesive Cream Targets Brand, On The Tube It Says Compare To Fixodent. Does The Target Brand Cause The Same Problem.
Is There A Substitute That I Can Use That Is Safe! Someone Said There Is Polygrip Zinc Free, Where Can I buy This I live In Atlanta.
The Dentist That Fitted My Bottom Plate Should Go Back To School To Learn How To Fit Dentures Properly.
Thank You In Advance
Roz
Comment by Roz on 7 September 2009:
News Alert
THERE IS A DENTURE ADHESIVE CREAM THAT IS ZINC FREE
POLYGRIP ZINC FREE AND SECURE DENTURE CREAM ZINC FREE
GET INFORMATION ON THESE TWO ON:
SECURE DENTURE.COM THEY WILL GIVE YOU INFORMATION ON
ZINC FREE DENTURE CREAM & ZINC FREE TOOTH PASTE
TO EVERYONE, PLEASE TAKE TIME TO GO TO SITE, IT COULD
GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND AND HOPEFULLY BETTER HEALTH!
MY QUESTION IS WHY DIDN’T THE ADA
KNOW THAT POLYGRIP OR FIXODENT CONTAINED ZINC WHICH CAUSES ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS?
WE AS CONSUMERS NEED BETTER LABELING & KNOWLEDGE
OF WHAT GOES INTO PRODUCTS. A LITTLE ZINC WILL NOT HURT YOU, BUT ALOT OF ZINC OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS CAN PROVE HARMFUL.
Comment by Wanda on 10 September 2009:
My Sister-in-law has used Super Wernets Powder for 26 years. Has no problem. Her Dentist recommended it from day one. Please try, don’t think you’ll be sorry.
Comment by Roz on 21 September 2009:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
THERE IS A ZINC FREE DENTURE CREAM ON THE MARKET FROM A
COMPANY NAMED: SHEFFIELD PHARACEUTICALS
THIS DENTURE CREAM ZINC FREE YOU CAN BUY IT AT
WALMART AT A COST OF $2.98 FOR A 21/2 OZ TUBE
I CALL SHEFFIELD, AND THEY DO CONFIRM THAT IT IS ZINC FREE!
I HOPE THIS WILL HELP!
ROZ
Comment by Roz on 21 September 2009:
UPDATE:
THE ZINC FREE DENTURE ADHESIVE CREAM UNDER THE NAME
EQUATE COMPLETE DENTURE ADHESIVE CREAM
NEWT WT. 2.4OZ
THIS IS WALMART’S OWN BRAND: EQUATE
I DID CALL SHEFFIELD PHARACEUTICALS, AND THEY DID CONFIRM
THAT THE DENTURE ADHESIVE IS “ZINC FREE”
THIS COMPANY ALSO HAS OTHER PRODUCTS!
I HOPE THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP THOSE WHO WEARS DENTURES FEEL BETTER WITH A SAFE PRODUCT THAT DOESN’T CONTAIN ZINC!
Comment by tanya on 25 September 2009:
i have read the comments that others have posted. i have been suffering from all the above listed systems and am now on disability because my dr. don’t know whats going on.
have had paralyzes, tingling, chronic pain, pain down arms, spliting on sides of mouth from denture cream, i am glad to have come across this posting.
Comment by JUDY on 29 September 2009:
Last year I started using Polygrip Free. Every so often I get sick and throw-up as if I’d been poisoned. My legs hurt always and so does my neck and arms. I’ve gone to doctors and the emergency room. They cannot find anything wrong with me. I know the pain is real and no one can give me any answers. When I’m at home I don’t wear my teeth and I feel o-k after a few days. Could this be my problem also.
Comment by George on 29 September 2009:
I have been using Fixodent and Polygrip for the past two years. I had a new lower plate made two years ago and because my gums had shrunk over the years my dentist recommended using these adhesives to keep my plate in. Since I started using the adhesives I also have had tingling in my arms and feet. I know I have arthritis but when I use these adhesives the tingling is greater. I understand there is a new adhesive out now called SECURE. Does SECURE have the amounts of zinc in it as Fixodent and Polygrip?
Comment by DIANNE on 2 November 2009:
I am 52 years of age i have used super poligrip, poligrip, and fixodent and they all do the same thing to me. i would like to know if the sea bons is a good product to use and is safe. i have tingling in the legs foot chornic pain the the feet and hands inside my mouth turns as if i have thrush then my tongue splitsand bleed, the corners of my mouth splits open and that is something that i had neve had is a fever blister and that is what it looks like. my gums gets very sore i have a lots of itching on my face,and down my arms and hands, also my head itches and i donot have dry scalp, its is always in my throat and i am always gagging as if it is in my throat, i have a hard time walking getting up and downi hurt all over.
Comment by phillip on 17 November 2009:
my wife died from side effects from avastin cpt 11 she died from blood clots punture bleeding and the cancer mastastated to 3 diferent places in her body the blood clots could not be desolved whith lovenox she had atotal of 6 treatments of avastin cpt 11 before her death jan 20 2009
Comment by Ruth on 1 December 2009:
I am now 55 and have had dentures (upper) for almost 30 years. I have noticed tingling in all of my extremities, pain and swelling in both ankles frequently with no appent cause, back pain in my lower back and frequent headaches that won’t go away with a few aspirins. Most of this I have attributed to growing older but the headaches and ankle pain are from son=mething else. I have also used adhesive all of the time since my first dentures weren’t fit ‘right”. Does this sound like it could be from using adhesive?
Comment by Jean on 12 December 2009:
I have ben using fixadent for about 15 years. My simptons are somewhat different from what I have been reading. I have developed a tingling sensation in my lower lip. I put the cream on my particle. I also have dark spots on the inside of my lip. My lip seem to tingle or feel numb when I use the cream. I have not bben testes for zinc yet. When I told my dentist about it; he thought it my be a nerve problem.
Comment by Igor on 20 December 2009:
I am 52 y. old and I am using polygrip for 14 years. With time I have developed some thretening symtoms like constant abdominal pain, tingling and periodical numbness in fingers and lips, difficulty in sweating, intolerance to heat, and episodical arithmia. Few times I had seasures during sport exersizes. I checked with doctors, went through thorough heart, stomach, and other internal organ tests; nothing was found. I generally of good health and used to do lots of sport; there is no visible reason of detereorating my health. Recently I discovered all those complaints about the effects of dental creams and polygrip in particular; so I immediately linked my condition to the constant intake of the dental cream. I am going to take tests on the presence of Zn in my blood and urine. If confirmed, I am determined to take an action against the cream producing company.
Comment by paul on 27 December 2009:
used fast teth for years now on oxyegin doe any one else have trouble breathing?
Comment by darlene on 12 January 2010:
I can’t believe that the government could have let this happen . I have been tested and I have neuropthy . Which came from 12+years of using polygrip and fixadent , I now have numbness and constant pain, I only hope that the big companies have to pay for this, people rely on these experts to not market something that will cause longterm and permanent damage. I have a problem walking, I can’t drive, I urge others to get tested because it is a special test
Comment by Debra on 1 February 2010:
I have used denture cream for the past 15 years or so….In 2008 I had a terrible experince…I was getting ready for work, when I was struck with a serve pain in the side of my head that took me to the floor. My boyfriend had to pick me up off the floor. I could not stand on my on… This lead to countless trips to the neurologist here in Lumberton, 1 in Charolette, and 1 at Duke. The diagnose was neuroalgia, and myalgia. And to top it off they threw Fibromyalgia in on top of that. I missed 8 months of work, I was denied disablity…So I had to come off my medicine just to be able to go back to my job. They would not let me return until I came off my medicine. Today, I still hurt, have no energy, I have had a decrease in my vision. But, I have tried to overcome the pain by blocking it out of my mind, when I can. I missed the first 6 months of my granddaughters life…due to the fact I was scared to be alone with her, and I did not have the energy or the strenght to pick her up.
Comment by patty on 1 February 2010:
I used fixodent for 20 years, I have tingling unexplained tingling pains in my scalp and muscle spasms. I too believed the product to be safe because it was made to go into the mouth. 3 Months ago I had a new upper made (I still have my bottom teeth) by a reputable dentist who made me a superb plate that fits like a glove and I have no need for creams or powders now, but my scalp still will hurt and I still have spasms. I will go for a zinc levels test. I thank God I finally found a dentist who knows how to make a denture that truly fits my mouth.