Sanitization of dentures by several denture hygiene methods

n l.J enture stomatitis is a commonly occurring condition in denture wearers. It is initiated by trauma from the dentures’ and is associated with yeast organisms2-5 and possibly aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.6 Current conservative treatment includes (1) prescribing an antifungal agent to control yeast and other microorganisms,6 (2) refitting or remaking the denture and refining the occlusion to minimize trauma, and (3) providing a sanitary denture.4a7-9 Point three is an essential part of the treatment.’ Not only should the denture be clean (that is, free of stains and deposits), but it should also be relatively free of microorganisms. It is futile to eliminate the associated microorganisms from the mouth if the oral tissues are inoculated repeatedly by a contaminated denture.‘O As early as 1885, Black” recognized the presence of “leukocytes and microorganism under plates.” He stated that “cleanliness is the chief preventive of sore mouth under plates. ” Since Black’s time, little has been reported on the disinfection of dentures with the aid of denture cleaners or by other means. Smithn tested 20 commercial denture cleaners and found none to be completely satisfactory in removing deposits. Theilade’) found similar results. However, he concluded that hand soap and a properly designed denture brush would adequately clean a well-polished denture. This is the current denture cleaning routine recommended by the American Dental Association.14 Anthony and Gibbons15 conducted a laboratory study of commercial denture cleaning products and common household cleaners. They found commercial