Overuse of denture cream with zinc sparks lawsuits
September 18, 2009 1:06 PM ET
By CURT ANDERSON
MIAMI (AP) - When he began getting weak, 61-year-old Ronald Beaver figured he might just be feeling his age. Eventually his problem was traced to a serious blood disorder caused by low levels of copper.
"I didn't know what to think," Beaver said of his illness three years ago. "I had no idea. I was just scared to death."
It wasn't until several weeks later — after the Florida moving company employee started getting daily doses of copper — that Beaver's doctor mentioned that getting too much zinc can trigger loss of copper. The only source of that much zinc they surmised was the tubes of PoliGrip denture cream he had been grossly overusing for a decade.
"The dentures I had then didn't fit that good. They would get loose and I would reapply," he said.
Now Beaver, who said he never fully recovered, and hundreds of other people claiming similar problems are suing consumer products giants Procter & Gamble Co., which makes Fixodent, and GlaxoSmithKline, maker of PoliGrip. At least 25 lawsuits from 11 states have been consolidated for pretrial hearings before a federal judge in Miami, who will decide if they go to trial or not. Another hearing is planned for next month.
The companies say denture cream containing zinc is safe when used as directed. And the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates denture adhesives, has never issued any warnings about the products. Indeed, the amount of zinc found in the recommended application of denture cream is similar to the amount found in a 6-ounce hamburger, and the overwhelming majority of users have no problems. The zinc improves adhesive power.
The lawsuits claim the products are defective, that the companies failed to adequately warn people about the potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken. The product liability lawsuits are seeking medical expenses and unspecified damages.
While acknowledging the problems are rare, Beaver's attorney, Scott Weinstein, says he expects many more lawsuits to be filed.
The legal action followed a 2008 report in the medical journal Neurology about a possible link between denture cream zinc and nerve damage. Doctors at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas described four patients who all used excessive amounts of denture cream and had various nerve-related disorders.
The researchers said their report did not prove denture cream caused the problems, but concluded the issue warranted further study. The human body needs both zinc and copper in the proper amounts, and zinc is commonly found in many foods, vitamin supplements and even cold lozenges. Too much zinc, though, can purge the body of copper.
A copper deficiency can cause nerve damage, resulting in symptoms such as weakness and numbness in arms and legs; difficulty walking and loss of balance; and even cognitive or memory impairment, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Jane Flinn, director of the undergraduate Neuroscience Program at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., noted that all four patients in the report used excessive amounts of denture cream.
"The take-home message is that zinc deficiency is an important issue, but an excess of zinc is also a problem," said Flinn, who was not involved in the Texas report.
In the four Texas cases — as well as that of Beaver and other lawsuit plaintiffs — patients were using far more than the recommended amount of denture cream, perhaps two or three tubes per week. A tube is supposed to last three to 10 weeks, with directions calling for only small dabs of the adhesive to keep dentures in place.
Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble and Britain's GlaxoSmithKline said in statements to The Associated Press that their denture creams are safe when used properly. On their Internet sites, both have sections devoted to the issue of zinc in their denture creams. This summer, GlaxoSmithKline began including leaflets with PoliGrip about the reports of possible problems from overuse and is adding similar wording to new packages.
"When the product is used as directed, the amount of zinc that might be swallowed is small and is not harmful," said GlaxoSmithKline spokeswoman Malesia Dunn. "Consumers should not use denture adhesive to compensate for a poorly fitting denture."
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a nonprofit organization that represents makers of over-the-counter medicines, said the denture creams containing zinc were first approved by the FDA 15 years ago. The leading brands still contain zinc, although there are alternatives available without it.
"Adverse events are very rare," said association spokeswoman Elizabeth Funderburk.
Likewise, the American Dental Association said the link between denture cream use and neurological problems remains unproven, The group urges people with denture difficulties not to overuse the adhesives and see their dentist if they have loose-fitting dentures.
Saturday
Sunday
DNA testing for Periodontal Disease: Am I Going to Lose My Teeth Just Like My Mother?
My Mother lost her teeth at an early age.
Am I going to lose my teeth and need dentures too?
Years ago this may have been the case, but I’ve seen good hygiene and routine dental care do remarkable things in helping people keep their natural teeth over the years I’ve been practicing dentistry. There are some people, however, that no matter how hard they work at their home care, they can’t get quite as healthy as they would like.
There is new technology that allows us to test our patients for genetic predisposition for Periodontal Disease. The risk for periodontal disease increases 3 to 7-fold and for tooth loss 3-fold in individuals who test positive to these new tests. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention and early intervention efforts. For those patients already affected with periodontal disease, the PST™ Genetic Test assists clinicians in creating a personalized treatment plan.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. It’s a known fact that periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is a common condition that varies in severity from person to person and usually starts when people are in their 30's or 40's. Symptoms may include:
@red, swollen, tender gums; receding gums @bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
@loose or separating teeth @persistent bad breath
@dentures that no longer fit @pus between the teeth and gums
Are You At Risk? When might we suggest DNA testing for you?
• When you have early signs of periodontal disease, despite a fairly good effort
with your home care.
• You're considering cosmetic or advanced restorative dentistry, such as veneers or
implants and we want to know that we don’t have any factors “working against us”
as we perform your treatment.
• A new patient or someone who hasn’t seen us in a while and needs a lot of
dentistry to get healthy again, and they tell us of a family history of
periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
• Clinical signs of infection (red, swollen, or bleeding gums with bone loss around
teeth and periodontal pockets) are around important teeth that we critically need
to save to keep our patient from having to get a denture.
• Have a family history of periodontal disease? Need extensive periodontal care?
Have loose teeth? Lost teeth?
• Confirmation of your oral health is needed prior to major medical surgery.
• You have other medical / systemic conditions that make you more susceptible to
periodontal infections.
• A screening tool to assess your periodontal health and genetic risk to oral
infections.
• Do you have chronic bad breath even though you’ve done everything we’ve shown you
to manage the problem?
WHAT ARE THE TESTS?
MyPerioPathsm Test: Identifies and measures certain bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis
MyPerioIDsmPST® Test: Determines if you are likely to be more susceptible to gum tissue infections
These revolutionary tests deliver detailed information that will enable us to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for your specific needs. The testing procedures are quick, non-invasive, simple and easy to perform.
This DNA Testing Sounds Expensive. How much does this cost?
Each individual test costs about $150. Some patients only need one of the tests. Some need both. If both tests are done, the total cost is around $300, plus the cost of any antiobiotics (from the pharmacy) possibly needed for treatment.
Dentistry continues to make some amazing strides in that it’s providing people the opportunity at having enhanced overall health. As I’ve said frequently lately, I’ve been in dentistry for over 25 years, and there’s not been a more exciting time than right now for all the things that dentistry can offer my patients. Whether it’s sedation for the fearful patient, implants for those that have missing teeth or dentures and can’t chew their food, or DNA testing for those who REALLY want to keep their teeth, I’m very thankful for the profession I’m in being so interesting and fun the last few years.
Be Thankful for What You Have,
Dr. Ron Receveur
Am I going to lose my teeth and need dentures too?
Years ago this may have been the case, but I’ve seen good hygiene and routine dental care do remarkable things in helping people keep their natural teeth over the years I’ve been practicing dentistry. There are some people, however, that no matter how hard they work at their home care, they can’t get quite as healthy as they would like.
There is new technology that allows us to test our patients for genetic predisposition for Periodontal Disease. The risk for periodontal disease increases 3 to 7-fold and for tooth loss 3-fold in individuals who test positive to these new tests. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention and early intervention efforts. For those patients already affected with periodontal disease, the PST™ Genetic Test assists clinicians in creating a personalized treatment plan.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an estimated 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal disease. It’s a known fact that periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal Disease, or gum disease, is a common condition that varies in severity from person to person and usually starts when people are in their 30's or 40's. Symptoms may include:
@red, swollen, tender gums; receding gums @bleeding while brushing and/or flossing
@loose or separating teeth @persistent bad breath
@dentures that no longer fit @pus between the teeth and gums
Are You At Risk? When might we suggest DNA testing for you?
• When you have early signs of periodontal disease, despite a fairly good effort
with your home care.
• You're considering cosmetic or advanced restorative dentistry, such as veneers or
implants and we want to know that we don’t have any factors “working against us”
as we perform your treatment.
• A new patient or someone who hasn’t seen us in a while and needs a lot of
dentistry to get healthy again, and they tell us of a family history of
periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
• Clinical signs of infection (red, swollen, or bleeding gums with bone loss around
teeth and periodontal pockets) are around important teeth that we critically need
to save to keep our patient from having to get a denture.
• Have a family history of periodontal disease? Need extensive periodontal care?
Have loose teeth? Lost teeth?
• Confirmation of your oral health is needed prior to major medical surgery.
• You have other medical / systemic conditions that make you more susceptible to
periodontal infections.
• A screening tool to assess your periodontal health and genetic risk to oral
infections.
• Do you have chronic bad breath even though you’ve done everything we’ve shown you
to manage the problem?
WHAT ARE THE TESTS?
MyPerioPathsm Test: Identifies and measures certain bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis
MyPerioIDsmPST® Test: Determines if you are likely to be more susceptible to gum tissue infections
These revolutionary tests deliver detailed information that will enable us to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for your specific needs. The testing procedures are quick, non-invasive, simple and easy to perform.
This DNA Testing Sounds Expensive. How much does this cost?
Each individual test costs about $150. Some patients only need one of the tests. Some need both. If both tests are done, the total cost is around $300, plus the cost of any antiobiotics (from the pharmacy) possibly needed for treatment.
Dentistry continues to make some amazing strides in that it’s providing people the opportunity at having enhanced overall health. As I’ve said frequently lately, I’ve been in dentistry for over 25 years, and there’s not been a more exciting time than right now for all the things that dentistry can offer my patients. Whether it’s sedation for the fearful patient, implants for those that have missing teeth or dentures and can’t chew their food, or DNA testing for those who REALLY want to keep their teeth, I’m very thankful for the profession I’m in being so interesting and fun the last few years.
Be Thankful for What You Have,
Dr. Ron Receveur
Wednesday
Do You Have Brick Walls in Your Life?
Happy New Year!
As 2008 ends and the new year, 2009, begins, my thoughts often turn to how my life has changed in the past year and what changes will occur in the New Year. That's the one thing that has surprised me the most as my life has gone by...how much everything in life continues to change!
I'd like to think I have a little control over the changes that will occur in my life the next year. There will be opportunities that lie ahead to make resolutions, turn over a new leaf, gain a fresh start, etc. We each decide the path we will walk in this coming year. Each of us must decide what our priorities will be and what direction we will take.
It's easy in uncertain economic times to allow your attitude and thought process to be affected every day. I read a book recently that made me think about my limitations and what was affecting my attitude. Here's a great quote that embodies this thought of mine:
"I found every single successful person I've ever spoken to had a turning point. The turning point was when they made a clear, specific unequivocal decision that they were not going to live like this anymore; they were going to achieve success. Some people make that decision at 15 and some people make it at 50, and most people never make it all."
-- Brian Tracy
So, my thought for you as we head into a New Year is very simple. Is there something you've always wanted to do? No, REALLY wanted to do! Only you can answer this for yourself.
Whether it is spending more quality time with family, losing weight, going back to school, whatever it is...Improving yourself in some manner. To start the new year off in a positive way --- set goals, analyze your efforts, and evaluate your true commitment. If there's something you REALLY want to do with your life, there's always going to be a great excuse, something standing in the way. I call those obstacles "Brick Walls".
If you really want to be on the other side of that brick wall, you can climb over it. You can do an "end-around" and run around it. You can tunnel underneath it. Often times when I interact with someone who's not very excited about doing something, they'll have 15 reasons why they can't accomplish the task. People that know me well, know what I mean when I say, "That's a brick wall!" In other words, they just don't want it bad enough. The task or job is just too scary, too daunting or too much effort.
Do you have "Brick Walls" in your life keeping you from being where you want to be?
Now's the time to decide if you are serious about doing something about the things in your life that you don't like. Only you can decide.
Here's to you and your family having a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2009?
Sincerely, Dr, Ron Receveur
As 2008 ends and the new year, 2009, begins, my thoughts often turn to how my life has changed in the past year and what changes will occur in the New Year. That's the one thing that has surprised me the most as my life has gone by...how much everything in life continues to change!
I'd like to think I have a little control over the changes that will occur in my life the next year. There will be opportunities that lie ahead to make resolutions, turn over a new leaf, gain a fresh start, etc. We each decide the path we will walk in this coming year. Each of us must decide what our priorities will be and what direction we will take.
It's easy in uncertain economic times to allow your attitude and thought process to be affected every day. I read a book recently that made me think about my limitations and what was affecting my attitude. Here's a great quote that embodies this thought of mine:
"I found every single successful person I've ever spoken to had a turning point. The turning point was when they made a clear, specific unequivocal decision that they were not going to live like this anymore; they were going to achieve success. Some people make that decision at 15 and some people make it at 50, and most people never make it all."
-- Brian Tracy
So, my thought for you as we head into a New Year is very simple. Is there something you've always wanted to do? No, REALLY wanted to do! Only you can answer this for yourself.
Whether it is spending more quality time with family, losing weight, going back to school, whatever it is...Improving yourself in some manner. To start the new year off in a positive way --- set goals, analyze your efforts, and evaluate your true commitment. If there's something you REALLY want to do with your life, there's always going to be a great excuse, something standing in the way. I call those obstacles "Brick Walls".
If you really want to be on the other side of that brick wall, you can climb over it. You can do an "end-around" and run around it. You can tunnel underneath it. Often times when I interact with someone who's not very excited about doing something, they'll have 15 reasons why they can't accomplish the task. People that know me well, know what I mean when I say, "That's a brick wall!" In other words, they just don't want it bad enough. The task or job is just too scary, too daunting or too much effort.
Do you have "Brick Walls" in your life keeping you from being where you want to be?
Now's the time to decide if you are serious about doing something about the things in your life that you don't like. Only you can decide.
Here's to you and your family having a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year in 2009?
Sincerely, Dr, Ron Receveur
Tuesday
My "ALL-TIME" Favorite X-mas Appetizer
I've had so many patients ask me about this recipe because I talk about fixing it at Christmas for my family (every year for the last 12 years). This is my favorite appetizer of all time...seriously. I can't take credit for it. It came from Emeril's cooking show on TV. Here it is: (Yes, I'm fixing it again this year. My kids would kill me if I didn't)
Sauteed Rock Shrimp in Creole Cream Sauce in a Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vent
Ingredients
* 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 pound frozen rock shrimp (70 to 90 count)
* 1 tablespoon Emeril's Creole Seasoning, recipe follows
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2/3 cup chopped green onions
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Crystal Hot Sauce (to your liking)
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* Salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Thaw the pastry at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before gently unfolding. With a sharp knife, divide the pastry in half. Cut each pastry half into 4 equal triangles. With the tip of a sharp knife, make a 1/4-inch score on all edges of the triangles, being careful not to cut all the way through. Put them on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool while preparing the shrimp. Season rock shrimp with Creole seasoning. In a large skillet over high heat, saute rock shrimp in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until most of the liquid released by the shrimp has evaporated. Add green onions, Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream, bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until reduced by half and sauce covers the back of a spoon, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add butter and whisk thoroughly to combine, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
With the tip of a knife, carefully remove the top of each pastry. Divide shrimp and sauce between pastries, cover with reserved tops and serve.
Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (I make this myself, but I've seen it for sale at Kroger's...already pre-made):
* 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons salt
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Emeril's site says this serves 8, but at our house, 4 of us devour all of this.
Actually, I make a double batch every year and listen to my wife complain that we don't want to eat her dinner. ;-)
Hope you enjoy this as much as I do...
Dr. Ron
Sauteed Rock Shrimp in Creole Cream Sauce in a Puff Pastry Vol-au-Vent
Ingredients
* 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 pound frozen rock shrimp (70 to 90 count)
* 1 tablespoon Emeril's Creole Seasoning, recipe follows
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2/3 cup chopped green onions
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Crystal Hot Sauce (to your liking)
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* Salt and pepper
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Thaw the pastry at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before gently unfolding. With a sharp knife, divide the pastry in half. Cut each pastry half into 4 equal triangles. With the tip of a sharp knife, make a 1/4-inch score on all edges of the triangles, being careful not to cut all the way through. Put them on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool while preparing the shrimp. Season rock shrimp with Creole seasoning. In a large skillet over high heat, saute rock shrimp in olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until most of the liquid released by the shrimp has evaporated. Add green onions, Worcestershire and hot pepper sauce and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream, bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until reduced by half and sauce covers the back of a spoon, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add butter and whisk thoroughly to combine, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.
With the tip of a knife, carefully remove the top of each pastry. Divide shrimp and sauce between pastries, cover with reserved tops and serve.
Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (I make this myself, but I've seen it for sale at Kroger's...already pre-made):
* 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
* 2 tablespoons salt
* 2 tablespoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Emeril's site says this serves 8, but at our house, 4 of us devour all of this.
Actually, I make a double batch every year and listen to my wife complain that we don't want to eat her dinner. ;-)
Hope you enjoy this as much as I do...
Dr. Ron
Saturday
Dance your dance!
Just one of my favorite videos. This frivolous little video reminds me of my father this time of year. He used to tell me "Just play the cards you are dealt". Watching the cute Peanuts characters dance around all happy reminds me of my dad teaching me the lesson of being happy no matter where your life is at the moment. Enjoy your holidays...Dr. Ron
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
