Zinc poisoning from denture cream use may be hard to diagnose or be misdiagnosed. Doctors may be confused by or find it difficult to test you for zinc poisoning, or attribute your complaints to something else. Neuropathy is a condition of the nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in your feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in your strength or ability to move your legs or feet (referred to as “foot drop”) or arms and hands; unexplained pain in your extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in your walking stride (your “gait”).

If you have any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with neuropathy, a zinc overdose may be the cause. And, if you have been using Poligrip or Fixodent, denture cream zinc has been lining your gums on a daily basis.

Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Poisoning

The Merck Online Manual partially defines zinc poisoning or toxicity as a process which interferes with copper metabolism and causes lowered copper levels in the body. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, metal fume fever, shakes and neurological damage.

Zinc overdose can come in different forms. Manufacturers are not required, nor do they, disclose the amount or type of zinc in their products.  This makes it more difficult to assess the hazard of zinc poisoning caused by denture creams. This is the case with at least two known denture creams. Polident and Fixodent use zinc as an adhesive and to fight unpleasant odors. Unfortunately, denture cream zinc may cause other serious side effects and lead to zinc poisoning. Unfortunately, consumers are not even given sufficient information on denture cream labeling to alert their doctors to potential zinc overdose.

Zinc poisoning is serious and can lead to debilitating nerve damage. Neurologic disorders can damage the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to physical symptoms that affect the entire body in a number of ways. Even when treated, zinc poisoning can have a lasting impact on the neurological systems in the body. Once a denture cream zinc overdose is identified, the zinc level can be altered but often the damage cannot be reversed.

It is critical that if you are having neurologic symptoms of zinc poisoning that you consult with your doctor immediately. Make certain to tell your physician about how long and how often you have been exposed to denture cream zinc. You are also advised to contact an attorney to make sure you are protected against losses suffered because of denture cream zinc poisoning. Nerve damage from zinc overdose is a very serious medical condition and a labeling oversight that needs greater public attention.

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