Denture Cream Users Sticking It to Denture Adhesive Makers

Marshall, TXMore lawsuits have been filed by consumers suffering from denture cream poisoning after using products such as Fixodent denture adhesive and Super Poligrip. The lawsuits allege that consumers were not properly warned of the risk of denture cream zinc poisoning if they overused their denture adhesive.

Lawsuits filed in Texas on October 9, 2009, as noted in the November 5 edition of the Southeast Texas Record, allege that plaintiffs Dani Arnold and Nathan Kuester are victims of zinc poisoning and possible resulting neurological damage. They claim that that Super Poligrip did not contain any warnings or instructions that explained health risks associated with the use of denture cream. The plaintiffs say the defendants are negligent because of their failure to warn and failure to use reasonable care when testing and inspecting Super Poligrip.

The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish as well as punitive damages. The defendants face allegations of strict products liability, negligence, intentional misrepresentation and breach of express and implied warranties.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble on behalf of a 48-year-old woman who alleges she developed neuropathy after using Super PoliGrip and Fixodent denture creams. The plaintiff, Shawn Rankin, claims to have ingested excessive amounts of zinc, resulting in copper depletion and neurological damage. Her lawsuit alleges that the makers of the denture adhesives failed to adequately warn users about the zinc in the products.

In response to reports of nerve damage linked to the overuse of denture cream, GlaxoSmithKline has reportedly added a warning to the packages of its denture cream. The insert alerts consumers to the presence of zinc in the denture cream and warns about the "serious health effects" of exposure to excess zinc, according to Consumer Affairs (October 21, 2009).

Several denture cream users have written to LawyersandSettlements expressing their concern. Frank P. writes that he suffers from "pain and cramps in the feet and hands, sensitivity to temperature or touch, lack of reflexes, weakness, loss of balance and coordination, and dizziness," as well as depression, resulting from his inability to do the simple everyday things he used to have no trouble with.

The makers of the denture adhesives have said that the creams are safe when used as directed. However, some consumers use more of the denture creams than recommended to help loose-fitting dentures stay in place, not realizing that such a move could put their health at risk.