Steradent Active Plus Tab

What Are Denture Cleaning Tablets and How Does Steradent Active Plus Help?

Keeping your dentures clean is just as important as caring for natural teeth. Bacteria, plaque, and food debris can accumulate on denture surfaces throughout the day, and without proper cleaning, this can lead to bad breath, gum irritation, and even oral infections. Denture cleaning tablets like Steradent Active Plus offer a simple, effective way to maintain denture hygiene between brushing. At just £2.09, this is an accessible everyday essential for anyone who wears full or partial dentures. You can browse the full range of products in our dental products collection for more oral care options.

Steradent Active Plus is a well-established over-the-counter denture cleanser available without a prescription. It works through an effervescent action — the tablet fizzes when dropped into water, releasing oxygen that penetrates denture surfaces to loosen debris and kill bacteria. It is suitable for daily use and is designed to help keep dentures looking and feeling fresh.

How Does Steradent Active Plus Work to Clean Dentures?

The cleaning action of Steradent Active Plus relies on a combination of effervescence and mild oxidising chemistry. When the tablet dissolves in warm water, it produces a fizzing solution that works in several ways:

• Oxygen bubbles are released, physically dislodging food particles and plaque from denture surfaces and crevices
• A mild bleaching agent helps to lift surface stains caused by tea, coffee, and food
• Antibacterial components in the solution reduce the bacterial load on the denture, helping to prevent odour
• The effervescent action reaches areas that a toothbrush may not easily access, such as the underside of the denture plate

This combination of mechanical and chemical action makes it a practical daily cleaning option. It does not replace brushing — the NHS recommends brushing dentures with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner — but it complements your routine effectively.

Who Should Use Steradent Active Plus Tablets?

Steradent Active Plus is suitable for most adults who wear removable dentures. It is particularly useful for people who want a quick, no-fuss daily soak to supplement their brushing routine. That said, it is not appropriate for everyone.

• Adults wearing full (complete) removable dentures
• Adults wearing partial dentures (check compatibility with metal components first)
• People who want to reduce denture-related bad breath
• Those looking to prevent staining from tea, coffee, or food

It is not intended for use by children, and the soaking solution must never be placed in the mouth or swallowed. If you have any concerns about which denture cleaner is right for you, speak to your dentist or pharmacist.

How Does Steradent Active Plus Compare to Other Denture Cleaners?

Is Steradent Active Plus Suitable for All Denture Types?

Most people can use denture cleaning tablets safely with their removable dentures. However, if your partial denture contains metal clasps or components, it is worth checking with your dentist before using any effervescent cleaner, as some formulations can affect certain metal alloys over time. Steradent Active Plus is generally considered suitable for acrylic dentures. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding soak time, as leaving dentures in the solution for longer than recommended is not beneficial and may affect the denture material.

Store the tablets in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of children at all times. If you are also managing other aspects of your oral health, our oral health collection includes a range of complementary products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Steradent Active Plus and What Is It Used For?

Steradent Active Plus is an effervescent denture cleaning tablet used to clean, deodorise, and help maintain the appearance of removable dentures. Each tablet dissolves in water to create a soaking solution that removes food debris, surface stains, and bacteria from both full and partial dentures. It is an over-the-counter product available without a prescription and is intended for daily use as part of a complete denture care routine.

The NHS advises that dentures should be cleaned every day to prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria, which can cause bad breath and increase the risk of oral infections such as denture stomatitis — a fungal condition caused by Candida species. Using a denture cleaning tablet alongside brushing helps to address areas that a brush alone may not reach.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Steradent Active Plus?

Before using Steradent Active Plus, there are some important points to be aware of. This product is for external use only — the soaking solution must never be placed in the mouth or swallowed.

Do not use Steradent Active Plus if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients, including sodium perborate or citric acid
• The product is intended for use by a child — it is for adults only
• Your dentures are fixed (implant-retained) and cannot be removed for soaking

Warnings and precautions:

• Always rinse dentures thoroughly under running water before placing them back in your mouth
• Do not use boiling water — warm water is sufficient and prevents damage to the denture material
• If your partial denture contains metal components, consult your dentist before use
• Keep tablets dry and away from children — they can cause harm if swallowed
• Avoid prolonged skin contact with the dissolved solution; wash hands after handling

Known interactions:

• No significant drug interactions are known for this topical denture cleanser
• The product is not absorbed into the body when used as directed

How Should You Use Steradent Active Plus Correctly?

Using Steradent Active Plus correctly is straightforward, but following the steps in order ensures the best cleaning result and protects your dentures from damage.

1. Remove your dentures from your mouth
2. Fill a clean glass or denture bowl with enough warm (not boiling) water to fully submerge the dentures
3. Drop one Steradent Active Plus tablet into the water and allow it to dissolve fully
4. Place your dentures into the solution and leave to soak for the time stated on the packaging (typically around 3–5 minutes for a quick clean, or longer for a deeper soak — follow the label)
5. Remove the dentures and rinse them thoroughly under running cold or lukewarm water
6. Brush the dentures gently with a soft denture brush before wearing if desired
7. Discard the used solution — do not reuse it

For more information on maintaining good oral hygiene alongside denture care, visit our oral health collection.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Steradent Active Plus?

When used as directed, Steradent Active Plus is generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon, but it is important to know what to look out for.

Common side effects (if the solution contacts oral tissue):

• Mild gum irritation or soreness if dentures are not rinsed thoroughly before wearing
• Temporary taste alteration if residual solution remains on the denture

Less common side effects:

• Skin irritation or redness on hands with prolonged contact with the dissolved solution
• Nausea or stomach discomfort if the solution is accidentally swallowed

If you experience any allergic reaction — such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing — stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention. This is rare but requires prompt action.

How Should You Store Steradent Active Plus Tablets?

Correct storage keeps the tablets effective and safe. Moisture is the main enemy — even a small amount of humidity can cause the tablets to begin fizzing prematurely inside the pack.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
• Keep the pack tightly closed after each use
• Do not store in a bathroom cabinet where steam and humidity are common
• Keep out of reach and sight of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging

If you are looking after your wider health alongside your dental care, you might also find our vitamins and supplements collection useful — good nutrition supports healthy gums and oral tissue too.