The dilemma of denture contamination

Fourteen dentures from patients requiring new dentures were cultured, treated with Clorox/Cascade/H2O solution, Brushgard, Polident, or distilled water and re-cultured. All 14 dentures were contaminated with multiple microorganisms. The Clorox/Cascade/H2O solution was most effective at decontamination with 71 percent of the treated dentures showing no growth of microorganisms. Brushguard showed no growth in 57 percent; Polident showed no growth in 36 percent; and water showed no growth in 14 percent. Of note, Brushgard, Polident, and water-treated dentures also allowed growth and predominance of other microorganisms that did not predominate on the original culture. The results of this study indicate that there is no product on the market at this time capable of consistently disinfecting the denture depths.