Denture cleaner

A denture cleaner (also termed denture cleanser) is used to clean dentures when they are out of the mouth. The primary purpose is to control the growth of microorganisms on dentures, especially the fungal species Candida albicans, thereby preventing denture-related stomatitis (also known as denture sore mouth or chronic atrophic candidiasis).^[1] When dentures are worn in the mouth, a biofilm develops which may be similar to dental plaque, composed of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms embedded in a polysaccharide matrix.^[2] Over time, this biofilm may become hardened and mineralized as dental calculus (tarite), which is more difficult to remove and can harbour pathogenic microorganisms. Denture cleansers are also used to remove stains and other debris that may be caused by diet, tobacco use, drinking coffee, drinking tea, and consumption of red wine or other pigmented foods and beverages.^[3]

Bottle of Renew professional strength denture cleaner in powder format

Box of Polident overnight denture cleaner in tablet format

Types of denture cleaners

Chemical cleaners

Chemical denture cleaners are available in various formats to suit different user preferences and cleaning requirements. Common forms include creams, liquids, powders, pastes, and tablets.^[1] Many chemical denture cleaners are effervescent, releasing oxygen bubbles when dissolved in water to help dislodge debris and penetrate porous surfaces of the denture material.^[3] Non-effervescent formulations, such as immersion solutions containing sodium hypochlorite (dilute bleach) or chlorhexidine, rely on chemical action alone to disinfect and clean.^[4] Active ingredients in commercial denture cleansers may include alkaline peroxides, alkaline hypochlorites, acids, enzymes (such as proteases and mutanases), and disinfectants.^[5]

Mechanical cleaners

Mechanical denture cleaning methods include the use of denture brushes, which are specially designed with bristle configurations to reach all surfaces of the denture prosthesis. Ultrasonic denture cleaners employ ultrasonic cleaning technology, using high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles that implode and dislodge debris from denture surfaces.^[6] Some advanced ultrasonic cleaners are coupled with ultraviolet light (UV-C) to provide additional antimicrobial action by damaging the DNA of microorganisms.^[7]

Recommendations for use

Dental professionals generally recommend that dentures be cleaned at least once daily to prevent biofilm accumulation.^[1] Dentures should be removed from the mouth during sleep to allow oral tissues to recover and to reduce the risk of denture-related stomatitis. When not being worn, dentures should be kept moist to prevent warping or cracking of the acrylic material. Combining mechanical brushing with chemical cleansing provides optimal results for maintaining denture hygiene.^[3]

See also

• Dentures
• Oral hygiene
• Denture-related stomatitis
• Candidiasis