INTELIHEALTH - Daily denture cleansers destroy bacteria, but might encourage the growth of yeast, a study says.

Researchers from the State University of Campinas, Brazil, did the study. They grew five types of bacteria, plus one type of yeast, on dentures. The yeast, Candida albicans, can cause mouth infections.

For a week, half of the dentures were placed in denture cleanser for three minutes a day. The other dentures were not cleaned.

The cleaned dentures had fewer bacteria on them, but more yeast.

Other studies in actual denture wearers have found that denture cleansers were effective against bacteria, but did not seem to affect yeast levels. C. albicans is one cause of denture stomatitis. It leads to red and inflamed tissue in areas covered by the denture. Some studies have found that more than 70% of denture wearers have this condition at some point. Risk is highest among those who don't clean their dentures frequently and thoroughly, or who wear their dentures at night.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends daily brushing of dentures using toothpaste or mild soap. Many people also use denture cleansers. The ADA gives its seal of approval to denture cleansers that meet certain standards.

The Brazilian study appears in the March issue of the journal Clinical Oral Investigations.

Source: InteliHealth News Service