Seven tips for safer denture cleaning

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 73 adverse events, including at least one death, have been linked to an ingredient in denture cleansers. The ingredient, persulfate (a known allergen), is used in these cleansers as part of the cleaning and bleaching process. Some reactions may be due to product misuse, but some have also occurred when the product was used properly.

FDA is recommending that manufacturers of denture cleansers revise their labeling and consider using appropriate alternatives to persulfates. These products are for cleaning dentures in a container—they should never be used while the dentures are in your mouth. Current labeling, however, can mislead consumers into believing the products may be chewed, gargled or swallowed.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: irritation, tissue damage, rash, hives, gum tenderness, breathing problems, and low blood pressure.

Symptoms from product misuse may include: abdominal pain, bleaching of tissue, blood in the urine, breathing problems, burns, damage to the esophagus, internal bleeding, low blood pressure, seizures, and vomiting.

Who’s at risk? People who are allergic to persulfates. All denture cleanser users should be aware that an allergic reaction might occur not only soon after the first use of the product but also after many years of use. Some symptoms might not appear for several minutes or even hours, and reactions may become more frequent and severe with repeated use of the product. People who are unable to read or understand the product label are at risk for product misuse.

If you or someone you care for uses denture cleansers be sure to:

• Read all instructions carefully.
• Never chew, swallow, or gargle with denture cleansers; Use the cleansers only by placing them in a container with the dentures.
• Always thoroughly rinse dentures and other dental appliances before placing in your mouth.
• Remember that reactions might not occur right away.
• If symptoms do occur, remove dentures and contact your dentist.
• Ask your dentist about using an alternate method to clean dentures.
• Keep all denture cleansers out of children’s reach.

For more information, read the FDA alert.

—Desiree Calamari, Associate Web Editor

Comments

[Cynthia]

Denture creams such as Poligrip and Fixodent have been linked to neurological and other problems. This site has some good information and recourse options: http://www.denturecreamlawyer.com/

[Cynthia]

Denture creams, like Poligrip and Fixodent have been associated with a variety of neurologic health problems and several lawsuits have been filed by people who claim to have been sickened by these products. It is expected that many more will be filed in the coming months. There is some good information on the health and legal implications involved with this issue at: http://www.denturecreamlawyer.com/

[Peter Challingsworth]

I recently had to have some extractions that left me with no upper right and no lower left molars. Partial dentures were one option, but I also looked into implants (either way, my smile would be unaffected). The result was that implants were possible, at about $6,000+ per tooth, with no insurance reimbursement. Needless to say I now have the partial dentures which seem satisfactory. Cost? About $1,400 per set, covered 50% by insurance. Out-of-pocket expense to me for partial dentures was about 1/25th of the probable cost of implants.

[karen graves]

I would just like to "say" rather than "ask" (because this is for comments) that I would be extremely happy if someone could tell me where in the world my husband could be tested for allergies to persulfates. He had two anaphalactic episodes, a rash for months, and a rash on his pallet. He has been food tested and airborn "stuff" tested for allergies, but I would like to rule out the persulfates. He has used DG Guarantee Denture Cleanser(Dollar General Store Brand) for months which is manufactored by Townes Labrtories. I have called them, the FDA, our allergy Doctor, etc, and to no avail. I have gone on line and read all about the possible results from the use of the Dental Cleansers because of their persulfates but no one can tell me where to go to be tested for them. One of the things my husband has been told he is allergic to is beef. Because that is such a common food, I would like to find out if the persulfates test higher for a reaction. Whatever it is, my husband is tired all the time from antihistamine he is on and has to have an epi pen near by. It would be a real relief to know if peruslfates are the real culprate or not. Any leads would be appreciated?

[Dr. Alex Farnoosh]

To achieve the smile you deserve and avoid these harmful denture cleansers---entertain the idea of dental implants. Dental Implants provide the feel,form and function of your natural teeth and can be placed in a relatively simple procedure.