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Many denture creams including Fixodent and Poligrip contain large amounts of zinc, which when consumed in excess, could deplete the body's copper levels and lead to serious neurological problems. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet, but being exposed to more than 10 times the amount of recommended zinc could result in zinc poisoning. Zinc poisoning can be deadly if not caught and treated quickly. The FDA does not require the manufactures of these creams to disclose the potential for zinc poisoning on their products, but it has now been found that these companies failed to warn consumers of their products toxic properties.
In August 2008, the journal "Neurology" reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of dental creams could have been responsible for their symptoms. Most people are not even aware that denture creams contain this potentially dangerous ingredient. Approximately 35 million Americans wear dentures, most of which are elderly. Because of inadequate or non-existent warnings, the zinc poisoning from denture creams has the potential to become a major public health disaster. Health advocates have pushed for greater disclosures about zinc hazards related to denture cream, but as of now, manufacturers have failed to provide adequate warnings.
Exposure to excess zinc can lead to unexplained weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, multiple sclerosis or other nerve symptoms. Denture cream users who experience such symptoms should consult their doctor. Tests for zinc levels in the blood can determine quickly if a zinc overdose is to blame. If not detected early and treated, the effects of zinc poisoning can be permanent.
Severe zinc poisoning can lead to neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in walking stride.
The neurological problems caused by excess exposure to the zinc contained in dental creams can be devastating. In some cases, patients suffering from zinc poisoning have been confined to wheelchairs. While stopping the use of denture cream with zinc results in improvement of zinc levels in the blood of most patients, victims may only experience a mild improvement of their symptoms. These injuries are preventable, but the manufacturers of dental creams have neglected to include stronger warnings about zinc poisoning on the products' labels. The failure to do so has left many denture cream users disabled and unable to work, at a time when they may be facing significant medical bills
If you or a loved one has used a denture cream like Poligrip or Fixadent and have suffered from any neurological problem as a result of excess zinc in the dental cream, please contact us now for a free, private consultation. Your time may be short to collect compensatory or punitive damages for your serious injuries.
CLICK HERE to contact us today, or send an email to Info@HelpingTheInjured.com
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