Warning for Denture Wearers worldwide

Millions of people wearing dentures wordwide are being warned that a popular brand of denture adhesive could if used in excess over a long term trigger symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs,difficulties with balance and walking, also blood problems such as anaemia. Long term excessive use of denture adhesives that contain zinc could produce a build up of zinc in the body which has been linked with neurological problems. GlaxoSmithKline who produce Polygrip announced on the 18th Feb 2010 that it was removing zinc from its denture adhesives in respose to health fears.They also stated that consumers using more adhesive than directed on the packaging over a number of years, should seek medical advice. A 40gram tube should last about six weeks, but some people apply it more frequently because of ill fitting dentures. Zinc is not absorbed in the mouth but enters the body when swallowed.GSK said its own reports on the products and other scientific research suggested that excessive use of the denture adhesive could cause problems. The company said it had received an increased number of adverse event reports last year, in which people reported side effects associated with the adhesives.
Dr Howard Marsh, Chief Medical officer for GSK Consumer Healthcare said "It is important for consumers to know that Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care remain safe to use as directed on the product label. " We are taking this voluntary action because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long term excessive use of our zinc containing denture adhesive products" "These reports are very rare, given that several million people wordwide are users of the products" "If anyone is concerned that they may have been using the product in excess they should stop using it, talk to their doctor and switch to a zinc-free alternative" GSK is reformulating its denture adhesives to be zinc-free and this will be clearly labelled on its packaging.
If your dentures are very old, loose and ill fitting, and you are using a lot of denture adhesive then you should have your denture checked immediately. Call My Brilliant Smile Dental Centre in East Grinstead on 01342 325522 and we can check your denture for you.