In August 2008, the journal Neurology reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of dental creams could have been responsible for their symptoms. The study is: Denture Cream: An unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease, Neurology 2008; 71:639-643.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require disclosure of the potential for denture cream zinc poisoning. Further, manufacturers do not warn of potential problems. In fact, they deny that the amount of zinc in their products pose any hazard whatsoever. Interestingly, zinc was not found in denture cream until the 1990’s but manufacturers claim it is an essential ingredient.

Zinc poisoning can lead to conditions called paresthesias and dysesthesias. Paresthesias is feelings of numbness, tingling, pinching, sharp, deep stabs, electric shocks, or buzzing in the arms and legs. Dysesthesias is unpleasant sensations when touching.

Blood tests for zinc and copper levels are standard and will quickly determine if unhealthy mineral levels exist. If not detected early and then treated, the effects of zinc poisoning may be permanent.

Zinc Poisoning Often Misdiagnosed:
There have been several instances where people suffering from zinc copper deficiency were misdiagnosed with a demyelinating disease. Some of the symptoms typical of both zinc copper deficiency and demyelinating diseases include:

numbness or tingling in the extremities

muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving

difficulties with coordination and balance

problems in speech or swallowing

visual problems

fatigue

acute or chronic pain

bladder and bowel difficulties.

Some of the demyelinating diseases most often misdiagnosed in patients with denture cream neuropathy include:

Demyelinating Syndrome: This syndrome is often associated with other diseases, such as lupus. Typical symptoms include odd sensation in legs, arms, chest, or face, such as tingling or numbness, or weakness; blurriness or double vision; loss of dexterity; and coordination problems.

Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and it is 2-to-3 times more common in women than men. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease, because symptoms often come and go — sometimes disappearing for months.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Early symptoms of this disorder-such as varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs-are similar to those caused by zinc copper deficiency. In many instances the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all. When severe, a patient may suffer life-threatening paralysis.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): A rare neurological disorder in which there is swelling of nerve roots and destruction of the myelin sheath over the nerves. This disorder causes weakness, paralysis and/or impairment in motor function, especially of the arms and legs. Sensory loss may also be present causing numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations. The motor and sensory impairments usually affect both sides of the body, and the degree of severity may vary.

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If you or someone you know has suffered from symptoms of a demyelinating disease and use denture cream, you should ask you doctor to test the zinc and copper levels in your blood. This may rule out denture cream neuropathy before you begin any treatment. If you have been diagnosed with zinc poisoning you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the denture cream zinc poisoning attorneys of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today for a free nationwide case evaluation by filling out the online form on this page or calling toll free: 1-800- 856-6405.