Efferdent Denture Cleaner & Reactions

Denture cleansers, including Efferdent, are over-the-counter products designed to clean dentures more effectively than soap and water. Some ingredients in Efferdent can cause allergic reactions and other negative effects, particularly if the product is misused.

Public Health Notification

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 issued a Public Health Notification after receiving reports of at least 73 severe reactions to denture cleansers, including one fatality.

Product Instructions

The FDA asked manufacturers to consider changing ingredients and revising product labeling to make usage directions more clear. People must not clean their dentures with these products without removing their dentures first. They also must not gargle with the cleanser, chew it or swallow it.

Allergic Reactions

Efferdent contains sodium monopersulfate, which can cause allergic reactions when inhaled, used in the mouth or swallowed. Signs of an allergic reaction include tissue damage, rash, hives, gum tenderness, low blood pressure and breathing difficulties.

Physical Irritation

Another Efferdent ingredient, sodium perborate, is irritating to the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. If used in the mouth, it can cause chemical burns and gum damage.

Warning

If inhaled or swallowed, sodium perborate can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. It also affects the central nervous system, and can cause headaches, agitation and delirium. High doses can result in liver and kidney damage.

References

• Department of Health and Human Services
• FDA Public Health Notification

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish