What personal protective equipment should be worn while cleaning dentures of a patient with pneumonia?

When cleaning dentures of a patient with pneumonia, the most appropriate personal protective equipment is gloves only. This is important because gloves protect the healthcare worker's hands from potential contamination by saliva, blood, or other body fluids that may be present on the dentures. Since pneumonia can be caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, proper hand hygiene and the use of gloves are essential to minimize the risk of transmission.

While masks and other protective gear may have their place in certain healthcare situations, they are not necessary for this specific task when gloves provide sufficient protection against the risk involved in cleaning dentures. The focus here is on preventing contact with potentially infectious materials, which gloves effectively accomplish.