Zinc in Denture Creams Causing Neurologic Disorders

Studies have consistently shown that a denture cream, with a high level of zinc, can prove dangerous to patients over a long period.  In many cases, these patients will suffer neurological disorders, including zinc toxicity, stemming from a low level of copper in the body, coupled with extraordinarily high zinc levels. 

Of the dental creams currently on the American market, researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center noted toxic zinc levels, ranging from 17 to 34 mg/g, in popular dental adhesives, PoliGrip and Fixodent. Following ceasing use of the creams, patients in the study noted a drastic drop in zinc levels, followed by better neurological conditions with cooper supplements. 

Statistics on Potentially Toxic Denture Creams

Fixodent’s official product information states the actual amount of zinc found in their products contain less zinc than consumption of six oysters or six ounces of ground beef, which contain 76mg and 9.4 mg respectively.  The concentration of the 9.4mg in a serving of ground beef is still significantly lower than the toxicity causing levels noted in the study above.  Compiling statistics on dental creams indicates that Super PoliGrip, with one application, would expose a denture wearer to 27.5 mg of zinc up to 55mg in some cases.  Assuming patients only use the product once daily, the exposure levels still range from twice to seven times to recommended daily intake, and in more than half the cases, cross the threshold for the maximum amount of intake for safe daily use. 

According to Northwestern University, clinically toxic levels of zinc occur at 80mg per day in the format of decreased HDL cholesterol, copper levels, and white blood cells. Typically, men and women need about eleven and eight mg daily, respectively, and the upper intake levels recommended as safe by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine.  Statistics indicate that the average human body also is only capable of absorbing fifteen to forty percent of the zinc exposure.   Obviously, research is at conflict with official statements from PoliGrip and other denture adhesive companies.  However, the damages, in the form of neurological disorders, are easily attributed to denture cream use and seen in patients all too frequently.