The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning dentists and consumers about dangerous allergic reactions to denture cleansers. The government wants manufacturers to revise their labeling for those products in the wake of at least 73 "severe reactions" and one death.
The FDA is not sure what is causing allergic reactions, but the agency cites persulfates, which are used for cleaning and bleaching, as "the most likely cause of the problem." The agency says manufacturers should consider taking persulfates out of their products, although adverse reactions may also be due to misuse of the products.
"Labeling revisions are needed to ensure that denture wearers clearly understand that these products are to clean dentures in a container - not while still in the mouth," the FDA says. "For example, some cleansers that contain mouthwash are described as minty fresh, or they may have graphics such as fizzing bubbles. This may mislead consumers by implying that the product may be chewed, gargled or swallowed."
The FDA says people allergic to persulfates are especially at risk, but allergic reactions "may not occur after the first use or even until many years of use" and "some symptoms may not even appear for several minutes or even hours" after use.
Symptoms of an alergic reaction may include irritation, tissue damage, rashes, hives, gum tenderness, breathing problems and low blood pressure. Other consequences of misusing denture cleansers may include damage to the esophagus, abdominal pain, burns, breathing problems, low blood pressure, seizures, the bleaching of tissues, blood in urine, internal bleeding and vomiting.
The FDA says denture wearers should read all instructions carefully, never chew, swallow, or gargle with denture cleansers, and always rinse dentures and other dental appliances thoroughly before placing them in the mouth.
"Remember that reactions might not occur right away," the FDA says. "If symptoms do occur, remove dentures and contact the prescribing dentist. Ask the prescribing dentist about using an alternative method for cleaning dentures."
