A statistical comparison of denture sanitation using a commercially available denture cleaner with and without microwaving.

Polymethyl-methacrylate dentures, worn by patients for periods ranging from 12 days to 48 years, were cultured and found to be heavily contaminated with a variety of microorganisms both externally and internally. A commercially available denture sanitizer, used as prescribed by the manufacturer, was ineffective at decontaminating the dentures. This study examined the effectiveness of this denture sanitizer when used in combination with a microwaving procedure. Statistical methods were used to compare the decontamination results of the denture sanitizer applied with and without microwaving. The statistical results indicated that the dentures were decontaminated most effectively when the denture sanitizer was used in conjunction with a two-minute microwave procedure.