Original Article

Year : 2021 | Volume : 6 | Issue : 1 | Page : 28 - 31

Frequency of Denture Cleansing – A Survey

M. Preethy, N. Nagappan1

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, 1Department of Public Health Dentistry, Chettinad Dental College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. N. Nagappan,

Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Chettinad Dental College and

Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

E-mail: nagappan.dent@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction:

Most of the patients clean their dentures only once a day. However, according to ideal practices, the complete dentures should be cleaned regularly at least twice a day to prevent ulcers, periodontal diseases, and various lesions in the oral cavity. Like natural teeth dentures also should be cleaned with a brush or with denture cleaners. This must be done regularly to prevent food accumulation and plaque formation. The most common outcome of improper cleaning of the dentures may lead to a condition called denture stomatitis which is the inflammation of the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. Hence, it is necessary to clean the dentures properly to avoid the above‐mentioned problems.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was conducted with 50 patients of age groups ranging from 40 to 65 years. A questionnaire was prepared, and the information was collected based on details such as age, gender, duration of denture wearing, frequency of denture cleansing, the materials used to clean the dentures, and nocturnal denture wearing habits. The purpose of the study was explained to the patients and their consent along with their signature and was recorded on the questionnaire. The data were later tabulated, and statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software, and the results were given.

Results:

The present study reveals that most of the patients were aware about importance of denture cleansing and materials used to clean the dentures. They were also aware about the technique to clean dentures and also about the nocturnal use of dentures and adverse effects of not maintaining their dentures properly.

Conclusion:

Based on the study, the denture hygiene of patients has significantly improved with patients brushing their dentures twice a day or sometimes thrice a day with cleansing liquid and tablets. However, there are a few patients who slept with their dentures at night which should be avoided. Thus, dentists should take the responsibility of providing postplacement denture hygiene instructions and also to motivate the patients.

Keywords: Cleansers, dentures, elderly, frequency

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article: Preethy M, Nagappan N. Frequency of denture cleansing – A survey. Int J Soc Rehab 2021;6:28-31.