As prosthodontists, ensuring the longevity and hygiene of dentures is a cornerstone of patient care. However, many patients still rely on soap and water for cleaning, unaware of the hidden risks this poses. This comprehensive guide delves into the science, benefits, and best practices of using denture cleansers, empowering you to guide your patients toward optimal denture hygiene and oral health.
Why Cleaning Matters: The Hidden Dangers on Dentures
Dentures are susceptible to microbial accumulation. Over time, biofilms—complex communities of bacteria, fungi, and food particles—form on their surfaces. These biofilms can lead to:
Denture stomatitis: Often caused by Candida albicans, leading to mucosal inflammation.
Persistent malodor: Resulting from microbial activity.
Shortened denture lifespan: Biofilms can cause surface damage and discolouration.
What Research Says: A 2023 study in BMC Oral Health evaluated the efficacy of various denture cleansers on multispecies microbial biofilms. The study found certain cleansers effectively penetrated and inhibited biofilms, whereas others showed less antibiofilm activity. BMC Oral Health
The Limits of Soap and Water
While soap and water may remove visible debris, they are ineffective against resilient microbial biofilms. Common issues include:
Inefficient microbial reduction: Soap lacks the active agents needed to eliminate pathogens.
Residue risks: Soap may leave a residue that irritates oral tissues or alters taste.
Surface damage: Some soaps are too abrasive for denture materials.
How Denture Cleansers Work: A Scientific Perspective
Denture cleansers are designed to address these limitations through active chemistry. Their key ingredients include:
Sodium perborate: Releases active oxygen to disrupt biofilm matrices.
Potassium monopersulfate: Enhances stain removal through oxygenation.
Surfactants and enzymes: Break down organic deposits like food particles and proteins.
Mechanism of Action:
When dissolved in water, these cleansers produce effervescence, releasing oxygen bubbles that penetrate and lift biofilms, stains, and debris. This ensures thorough cleaning without damaging the denture material.
Supporting Evidence:
A 2020 study in BMC Oral Health demonstrated that peroxide-based enzymatic denture cleaners effectively reduced Candida albicans biofilms on denture materials.
BMC Oral Health
Benefits of Using Denture Cleansers
Superior Microbial Reduction
Denture cleansers eliminate pathogens like Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans, reducing the risk of infections such as denture stomatitis.
Improved Stain Removal
Stubborn stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco are effectively lifted, restoring the denture’s aesthetic appearance.
Material Preservation
Cleaners are formulated with pH-balanced ingredients to prevent warping, discolouration, and surface degradation.
Enhanced Patient Comfort
Proper cleaning reduces oral irritation and improves taste perception, leading to higher patient satisfaction.
Types of Denture Cleansers
Effervescent Tablets
Dissolve in water, releasing oxygen to clean and disinfect dentures.
Solutions and Gels
Applied directly to the denture surface; ideal for patients requiring targeted cleaning.
Advanced Formulations
Include enzymes for enhanced protein breakdown and odour control.
Integrating Denture Cleansers into Patient Protocols
Educating patients is key to ensuring proper denture care. Follow these steps:
Explain the Risks of Improper Cleaning
Highlight the role of biofilms in causing infections and malodor.
Use visual aids to show the difference between soap cleaning and cleanser efficacy.
Demonstrate Proper Cleaning Technique
Rinse dentures under running water to remove loose debris.
Soak in a recommended denture cleanser solution for the specified time.
Gently brush with a soft denture brush.
Rinse thoroughly before reinsertion.
Reinforce During Follow-Ups
Evaluate denture hygiene at every appointment.
Adjust recommendations based on patient compliance and specific needs.
Special Considerations for Specific Patient Groups
Immunocompromised Patients
Stress strict adherence to cleansing protocols to reduce infection risks.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Confirm compatibility of cleansers with implant components.
Soft Liners or Materials
Recommend cleansers that are safe for softer or more porous materials.
Recommended Denture Cleanser Brands
Polident
Proven stain removal and microbial reduction.
pH-balanced for material safety.
Corega
Excellent odour control and antimicrobial efficacy.
Look for ADA Approval:
Choose brands with clinically validated formulations and the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Dispelling Common Myths
Myth: “Mouthwash works just as well.”
Fact: Mouthwash lacks the active oxygen and enzymatic action required to penetrate biofilms.
Myth: “Hot water cleans dentures effectively.”
Fact: High heat can warp denture materials, whereas cleansers work safely at room temperature.
The Cost-Benefit of Denture Cleansers
For patients, denture cleansers represent a small investment with significant benefits:
Health Gains: Reduced microbial load prevents infections.
Longevity: Proper care extends denture lifespan, reducing the need for replacements.
Comfort: Improved cleanliness leads to better taste and fit, enhancing daily life.
Takeaways for Prosthodontists
Denture cleansers are more than just cleaning products—they are essential tools for maintaining oral health and patient satisfaction. By understanding the science and clinical applications of these products, you can:
Educate your patients effectively.
Ensure the long-term success of prosthetic treatments.
Elevate the standard of care in your practice.
Join the Conversation
What’s your go-to recommendation for denture cleansers? Have you observed significant outcomes using specific products? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Together, let’s set a higher benchmark for denture hygiene.
References:
Kaypetch, R., Rudrakanjana, P., Tua-ngam, P., Tosrisawatkasem, O., Thairat, S., Tonput, P., & Tantivitayakul, P. (2023). Effects of two novel denture cleansers on multispecies microbial biofilms, stain removal and the denture surface: an in vitro study. BMC Oral Health, 23, 852. https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-023-03535-5
Geduk, Ş. E., Sağlam, G., Cömert, F., & Geduk, G. (2024). Antimicrobial activity of cleanser tablets against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans on different denture base materials. BMC Oral Health, 24, 633. https://bmcoralhealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12903-024-04403-6
Tasso, C. O., Ribas, B. R., Ferrisse, T. M., de Oliveira, J. S., & Jorge, J. H. (2024). The antimicrobial activity of an antiseptic soap against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans single and dual-species biofilms on denture base and reline acrylic resins. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0306862. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306862
Cavalcanti, I. M., & Cury, A. A. (2013). Efficacy of denture cleansers in reducing microbial counts from removable partial dentures: a short-term clinical evaluation. Brazilian Dental Journal, 24(4), 342-346. https://www.academia.edu/25362443/Efficacy_of_Denture_Cleansers_in_Reducing_Microbial_Counts_from_Removable_Partial_Dentures_A_Short_Term_Clinical_Evaluation
Ergin, A., & Mutluay, M. M. (2013). Effect of chemical denture cleansers on microorganisms over heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 21(2), 110-115. https://www.scielo.br/j/jaos/a/jf8gC9Y5GLZCfzFDTtFmSSD/?format=html
Silva-Lovato, C. H., et al. (2010). Effect of three methods for cleaning dentures on biofilms formed in vitro on acrylic resin. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 18(5), 560-565. https://www.scielo.br/j/jaos/a/jf8gC9Y5GLZCfzFDTtFmSSD/?format=html
Paranhos, H. de F. O., et al. (2021). Using denture cleansers to control biofilm from dentures and brushes: A randomized crossover clinical trial. The International Journal of Prosthodontics, 34(1), 39-46. https://www.academia.edu/81028947/Using_denture_cleansers_to_control_biofilm_from_dentures_and_brushes_A_randomized_crossover_clinical_trial
Hayran, Y., et al. (2021). Evaluation of the time-dependent effect of an enzymatic denture cleanser tablet against six microbial species. Annals of Medical Research, 28(2), 0344-0349. https://www.academia.edu/81028947/Using_denture_cleansers_to_control_biofilm_from_dentures_and_brushes_A_randomized_crossover_clinical_trial
Boon, L., et al. (2016). Impact of denture cleaning method and overnight storage condition on denture biofilm mass and composition: A cross-over randomized clinical trial. PLOS ONE, 11(1), e0145837. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0145837
Murray, C. A., & McCord, J. F. (2015). Reducing the incidence of denture stomatitis: are denture cleansers sufficient? Journal of Prosthodontics, 24(5), 395-401. https://www.academia.edu/81028947/Using_denture_cleansers_to_control_biofilm_from_dentures_and_brushes_A_randomized_crossover_clinical_trial
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