title: Evaluation of cleansing methods for previously worn prostheses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although there are many product claims that address the issue of denture sanitization, controlled scientific studies on previously worn dentures have not been performed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate procedures directed at sanitizing previously worn contaminated dentures from two regions of the United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study examined 51 previously worn dentures from two regions. An established method of denture retrieval, sectioning, and culturing was used, including isolation of anaerobes. Evaluation of microbial contamination posttreatment was used to determine the effects of soaking dentures in Polident (US and European formulations) for varying periods of times/temperatures, microwaving dentures with varying temperatures, sonicating dentures, and immersing the dentures while using a vacuum. A combination of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and general linear model (GLM) of the SPSS was used to analyze the data with P < .05 being considered statistically significant when using a two-tailed test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While all Polident treatments were found to significantly reduce microorganism loads in dentures, extended soaking (8 hours) and 65 degrees C (5 minutes) were the most effective. Microwaving was slightly more effective than either sonication or vacuum. Regardless the treatment, dentures underwent sanitization rather than sterilization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Denture-borne microorganisms can be significantly reduced by using a Polident solution for 8 hours at room temperature or for 5 minutes at 65 degrees C. Microwaving, sonication, and use of a vacuum were less effective. ClLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The importance of daily use of Polident solution for 8 hours or for 5 minutes at 65 degrees C to sanitize worn prostheses must be stressed.
authors.affiliation: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
authors.forename: R Thomas
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Glass
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bullard
authors.forename: Leigh B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Goodson
authors.forename: Naresh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Stanley J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lech
authors.forename: Zvi G
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Loewy
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001881:Borates / Q000737:chemistry; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D003820:Denture Cleansers / Q000737:chemistry; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008872:Microwaves; D013010:Sonication; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000517:prevention & control; D013431:Sulfates / Q000737:chemistry; D014618:Vacuum
chemical_list: D001881:Borates; D003820:Denture Cleansers; D013431:Sulfates; C102654:Polident