M Alam R Jagger R Vowles J Moran Authors’ affiliation: M Alam, R Jagger, R Vowles, J Moran, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK Correspondence to: Dr J. Moran Division of Restorative Dentistry Department of Oral and Dental Science University of Bristol Bristol BS1 2LY UK Tel.: +44 1179284144 Fax: +44 1179284780 E-mail: john.moran@bristol.ac.uk Dates: Accepted 5 November 2009 To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene 9, 2011; 37–42 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2009.00432.x Alam M, Jagger R, Vowles R, Moran J. Compara- tive stain removal properties of four commercially available denture cleaning products: an in vitro study. Ó 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Comparative stain removal properties of four commercially available denture cleaning products: an in vitro study Abstract: Objectives: Formulations of commercially available denture cleaners vary widely. Unfortunately, comparative data to suggest which products are the most effective can become invalid as newer products are introduced or formulations are changed. The aim of this in vitro study was to measure the stain removal properties of four currently available denture cleaners. Methods: Stain was deposited on multi-well polystyrene saliva coated microplates using multiple chlorhexidine and tea solutions. Following drying, each stained well was exposed to a solution of denture cleaner, dried again and the amount of stain remaining measured using a microplate reader. The cleaning procedure was repeated with further multiple exposures of the wells to solutions of the denture cleaners. Results: All denture cleaners removed stain better than water used as a control. At five cleaning cycles only one of the cleaners (Superdrug Cleaning Powder) had removed 100% of the stain. At 30 cycles three of the cleaners had removed 100% of the stain. Conclusions: All the commercial denture cleaners removed stain. Superdrug Cleaning Powder, which contains sodium percarbonate and sodium lauryl sulphate, was particularly effective. Key words: 3-10 MESH; chlorhexidine; cleaning; denture; staining Introduction Denture cleaning is necessary to remove extrinsic stain and soft and hard deposits from dentures. The microporous surface of an acrylic resin den- ture base material provides an environment that supports microorganisms. Microbial plaque on dentures has potential to be harmful to both the oral mucosa and to general health (1, 2). The cleaning and maintenance of denture prostheses are therefore important for the oral health of patients and to maintain an odour-free appliance. Extrinsic staining of acrylic resin dentures can be a major problem for many individuals especially those who smoke tobacco products or drink tea, coffee, cola or red wine. A survey of patients with complete dentures showed that the drinking tea and coffee was the main cause of the den- ture staining (3). There is a large number of denture cleansers supplied in different forms. Generally, cleansing agents can be described according to their mode of action (4): Mechanical cleansing: with the aid of brushes, paste, powders and ultrasonic agitation. ORIGINAL ARTICLE Int J Dent Hygiene 9, 2011; 37–42 37