NEW YORK, New York--The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers Oct. 3, 2011, regarding the overuse of zinc-laden denture creams (fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/ucm274258.htm).
The FDA warned that overuse of zinc-containing denture adhesives can lead to adverse events such as nerve damage, numbness or tingling sensations. Bernstein Liebhard LLP commends this recent action by the FDA because the firm believes it brings important attention to denture cream zinc poisoning, which has become an increasingly serious public health issue facing consumers.
According to the FDA, the warning was prompted by adverse event reports received by the agency, and a review of medical literature linking zinc-containing denture adhesives to nerve damage. Specifically, the FDA noted that individuals who use two or more tubes of denture cream a week face an increased risk of zinc toxicity. A tube should typically last between seven to eight weeks.
The FDA previously addressed the dangers associated with zinc-containing denture creams earlier in 2011. In February 2011, the FDA recommended that manufacturers make denture cream without zinc.
The two primary denture adhesive manufacturers in the United States are Procter & Gamble, which makes Fixodent, and GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Super Poligrip. Denture cream zinc poisoning has been linked to Fixodent and Super Poligrip.
GlaxoSmithKline to remove zinc from denture cream
In the latest action, the FDA requested that denture adhesive manufacturers include directions on the packaging in order to prevent consumers from experiencing adverse events as a result of overexposure to zinc, and to specify on the products’ label that zinc is an ingredient.
In addition, the FDA provided advice to denture wearers. The agency stressed that properly fitting dentures should not require additional adhesive in order to stay in place. Individuals whose dentures are loose should have them relined or be fit for new ones. Most importantly, the FDA emphasized that denture wearers should not use more adhesive than recommended.
For more information about filing a denture cream lawsuit, contact an attorney at Bernstein Liebhard at (877) 779-1414, visit www.consumerinjurylawyers.com, or send an email to [email protected].
To comment on this topic, go to community.pennwelldentalgroup.com/.
