Denture Adhesives Supplement Zinc And Deplete Copper In Your Body Causing Problems
Although Fixodent and PoliGrip, produced by Proctor & Gamble and GlaxoSmithKline respectively, have been getting all of the headlines, the recently discovered link to neurological disorders applies to all brands of thermoplastic denture adhesive. The common link is zinc, an ingredient that these all contain that has been known to damage the nerves of otherwise healthy individuals. Although humans normally have a small amount in their systems the metal in excessive amounts reduces the level of copper in the body, leading to serious complications, potentially life-threatening. Doctors can diagnose the problem quickly, and suggest that patients come in at the first sign of any trouble that may be caused by a denture adhesive. In the early stages, zinc toxicity can be as mild as the flu, but can quickly escalate to serious problems and permanent nerve damage. Common symptoms include:
• Numbness in extremities, especially legs
• Tingling in extremities, especially legs
• Loss of balance
• Loss of feeling or sensation
• Unexplained pain anywhere in the body
• Decreased or shrunken walking stride
• Increased falling or stumbling
• Loss of strength in legs or feet
Dental experts are quick to point out that the link was made between personal denture adhesive use and poorly fitting dental prosthetics. In many cases, victims of zinc poisoning regularly used two or more tubes per week, because they couldn’t afford to have a set of properly fitted teeth made. Nevertheless, The Consumer Healthcare Products Association reports that, when used properly, a tube will last anywhere between 3 to 10 weeks. Proctor and Gamble and GlaxoSmithKline have both said that their products are safe. They allege that, for a regular customer who uses daily the proper amount, there is no danger of zinc infection. But victims of neuropathy and other painful nerve disorders say that the companies are still at fault, since they failed to properly label the packages with warnings and stipulations that overuse could lead to life-long, debilitating problems.
The issue has led to a heated discussion about the rights of the victims, and the responsibilities of the companies involved. Scientific studies have proven that the product allows the metal to seep into the blood, which causes the blood poisoning. And victims have repeatedly said that, if they had known the dangers, they would have found other ways to keep their false teeth fitting properly. But the conversation always comes back to denture care. Those without oral prosthetics that fit snugly in the mouth must use more of the product than their counterparts. Many users need only a few “dots” or “drops.” But that only applies to people with correctly fitting dentures. If you have ill-fitting dentures, you should immediately consult with a dental professional. They can meet with you, and walk through the options you have to obtain a prosthetic that fits properly. A dentist can also be very helpful in discussing other aspects of healthy oral hygiene. Since your symptoms may be the result of corporate negligence, if your physician diagnoses this condition, and you use oral bonding pastes, be sure to contact a lawyer immediately. You need to act quickly to learn about and maintain your rights under the law.
|