Case Study: Avoid Denture Creams with Zinc

August 14, 2010, 5:00AM. By Charles Benson

Little Rock, ARA new case study written by a team of doctors documents the ordeal one elderly woman endured because of denture cream poisoning.

The study, entitled "Hematologic and Neurologic Consequences From Chronic Use of Denture Adhesive – Case Report," was co-authored by a team of doctors who followed the case of a 62-year-old woman.

According to the report, the woman had been using a denture adhesive that contained zinc for approximately 20 years, when she went to the doctor complaining of fatigue in 2004. Tests revealed at the time that she had mild renal insufficiency and anemia. She was subsequently treated with iron supplements and continued her previous lifestyle until December 2008.

During that month, the subject began to experience flu-like symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. The symptoms continued over an eight-week period at which point the woman began to experience numbness in her legs. A bone biopsy revealed a number of health issues and eventually a specialist was consulted and the subject's zinc levels were tested, showing that her levels were high.

Copper therapy temporarily reversed some of the patient's symptoms, but was ultimately unsuccessful at combating her maladies. The report concludes that individuals who wear dentures should avoid denture creams containing zinc.