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). 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. 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, or consuming coffee, tea, red wine or other pigmented foods and beverages.

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. 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. Non-effervescent formulations, such as immersion solutions containing sodium hypochlorite (dilute bleach) or chlorhexidine, rely on chemical action alone to disinfect and clean. Active ingredients in commercial denture cleansers may include alkaline peroxides, alkaline hypochlorites, acids, enzymes (such as proteases and mutanases), and disinfectants.