Roughly 35 million Americans wear dentures, most of which are elderly. When dentures don’t fit properly, many of those denture wearers resort to denture creams that firmly hold the dentures in place. Now, several medical studies have linked elevated use of some denture creams with zinc poisoning and neurological disorders.

We urge you to contact the defective product attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, if you are using GlaxoSmithKline’s Poligrip and Superpoligrip, Proctor & Gamble’s Fixodent or another brand of denture cream and are suffering from neurological symptoms. Our attorneys are currently investigating cases throughout the country of zinc poisoning associated with denture cream usage, and would like to hear about your case. 

Symptoms of Zinc Poisoning

Being exposed to more than 10 times the recommended zinc can cause zinc poisoning. If not treated quickly, it can become deadly. Here are a few indicators that you may have been exposed to too much zinc:

• Lethargy
• Slow healing of wounds
• Colds or infections that last an unusually long time
• Numbness, loss of control, or weakness in the limbs

Zinc is an essential element in the human anatomy, but in excess amounts, wreaks havoc on the body. When zinc ingestion exceeds the normal limits, a deficiency in copper results, creating an imbalance that affects your neurological health. As a Class 1 product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require denture cream manufacturers to list ingredients on their labels. However, it’s now known that very high levels of zinc are being used by denture cream manufacturers as an odor blocker and adhesive agent.

Getting Tested for Zinc Poisoning

Immediately contact your physician if you suspect that you have the symptoms of zinc poisoning. Two simple medical tests can be ordered to determine if your zinc levels are causing neurological disorders. Those include:

• Blood test – a zinc overdose can be detected in the blood, if the zinc level remains elevated at the point which blood is drawn
• Hair test – when zinc levels are currently normal this simple test can determine if your levels may have been elevated in the recent past

Just because your zinc level is currently considered normal doesn’t mean you won’t experience nerve problems later. The symptoms of zinc poisoning continue even after zinc and copper levels return to normal.

Legal Recourse for Your Injury

If you have suffered from neurological disorders or been diagnosed with zinc poisoning after using denture creams, obtain expert legal advice from the defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, who can litigate your case anywhere in the country. Protect your legal rights by calling to schedule a free case evaluation today.