GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK) issued a consumer advisory on February 18, 2010, regarding the safety of their Super Poligrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and 'Extra Care' denture adhesives. The concern centers around the amount of zinc that is contained in the product, and how it is bonded to an unknown formulation. According to GSK, suggestions that excessive zinc exposure may contribute to the development of anemia, neuropathy, and other neurological symptoms that may cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs and difficulties with walking and balance, initiated the advisory. GSK has voluntarily stop the manufacture, distribution and advertising of all Super PoliGrip denture adhesive products made with zinc.
Consumers with Poligrip products that contain zinc are encourages to stop using the product immediately, contact their physician or dentist, and use a denture adhesive that does not contain zinc.
Zinc is considered to be an essential mineral for our health and wellness, and is found in proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, and salmon. The recommended daily value of zinc is 15 mg/day. For denture wearers that rely on a denture adhesive to hold their dentures in place, the risk of overexposure becomes evident. It has been suggested that as little as 25 mg. of zinc may contribute to anemia and copper deficiency.
If you are using a denture adhesive, and you are unsure if it contains zinc, please speak to your dentist, physician, or pharmacist. If you rely on the use of a denture adhesive to help keep your dentures in place, due to poor fitting dentures, speak to your dentist about treatment options that will improve your situation, without the need for adhesives.
I am happy to see that GSK is eliminating the zinc content in their product. Unfortunately, there is a chronic overusage by many endentulous patients who rely on adhesives as an alternative to getting a properly fit denture made or relined.
I think it is disgusting that this company has been producing poligrip and selling it to the public. Why has it taken years to come to the conclution that it can cause problems to ones health. I have been useing this product for years, have had problems that are stated but could never pin the reason down why, now i know and to say its upsetting is only the half of it. I demand more answers
this is my health at risk here.
Will this lead to an increase in implant dentistry? What property does zinc give the denture adhesive? Is there a safer substitute for zinc?
My understanding is that if used as intended, the zinc content in denture adhesives should not be a concern. But I would understand if I were a denture wearer the concerns about using it and be looking pretty seriously at dental implants.