Poligrip Ingredients

Poligrip, which is better known as "Super Poligrip," is a brand name for a denture cream adhesive. There are several Super Poligrip brands, some of which contain additional and/or different ingredients from the other Poligrip brands. However, there are some ingredients that are used in all Poligrip brands. Despite the removal of zinc from Poligrip, many of the ingredients still pose health risks.

Poligrip Brands

• Poligrip denture adhesive cream is available under the names Polygrip "Free," "Original" "Extra Care" and "Ultra Fresh." Super Poligrip is also available in denture adhesive strips and powder form. All Poligrip brands in cream form contain methylvinylether/maleic acid, sodium calcium mixed partial salt, petrolatum, cellulose gum and mineral oil. Brands other than "Free" contain additional ingredients. "Ultrafresh" also contains a spearmint flavor. "Original" also contains red 7 calcium lake and red 30 aluminum lake. "Extra Care" does not contain the red lakes but contains dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, methylparaben and ethylparaben.

Methylvinylether/Maleic Acid

• Methylvinylether/maleic acid is an off-white powder co-polymer which is available with specific viscosity of 2.6, 3.5 and 4.7. The 4.7 viscosity exhibits a longer and stronger hold. Although the toxicological properties have not been fully researched, the acid may cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation and can cause eye and skin irritation.

Mineral Oil

• Mineral oil is a liquid oil with no scent, is relatively inexpensive and forms a thin layer on skin. It can clog pores, and is difficult to absorb. This can also result in difficulty in eliminating toxins. In clinical studies, mineral oil has been shown to often cause some forms of pneumonia. Many physicians advise not to use mineral oil-based products. It is frequently used in body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and toothpaste.

Petrolatum

• Petrolatum is an ingredient in Vaseline products. It has been determined that using petrolatum can cause breast cancer and is listed by the European Union's Dangerous Substances Directive as a probable carcinogen and was banned by the EU in 2004. A study undertaken by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 1991 concluded that the ingredient can cause mammary tumors. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) restricts petrolatum used in foods to 10 parts per million.

Carboxymethylcellulose

• Carboxymethylcellulose is also known as cellulose gum. It is a white water-soluble cellulose derivative and is used as a thickening agent. It is an emulsifier often used as an ingredient in laxatives. Cellulose gum is also a stabilizing agent and appetite suppressor.