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Proper denture care for edentulous patients can be critical to oral hygiene,
overall patient health and social well-being,1 and it's important
for dental professionals to emphasize that proper denture care requires both
professional and home maintenance. Studies indicate that over 80% of U.S.
denture patients fear the denture odor caused by the oral deposits and
microorganisms associated with denture wear.2 And these same oral
deposits and microbial material that cause malodor can cause oral irritation,
create infectious oral material for aspiration and, in some patients, even lead
to infection by Oral Candida spp.1
However, there are three main methods patients can use to care for their
dentures, improve oral hygiene, enhance the aesthetic appearance of dentures
and reduce or eliminate denture odor. These include: mechanical, chemical and a
combination of mechanical and chemical techniques.1
Mechanical cleaning techniques for dentures include brushing, and table top
ultrasonic cleaners. While ultrasonic cleaners can be highly effective, these
are generally used in elder care environments, and the start-up cost can be
high. Brushing alone can remove oral deposits, but can leave micro-organisms
behind.1
Chemical cleaning techniques for dentures include soaking in bleach or vinegar,
using microwave radiation, and using over-the-counter effervescent products.
While bleach kills the microbes, it is less effective on stains, and may
discolor the dentures. Vinegar reduces but does not eliminate all bacteria, and
patients may notice an unpleasant odor associated with the dentures. Microwave
radiation is highly effective at killing the microbes, but must be combined
with mechanical cleaning to remove oral deposits.1
Effervescent commercial products, however, offer patients an effective solution
to kill 99.9% of microbes, while both cleaning and deodorizing dentures.1
In combination with brushing, recent data indicates that effervescent
commercial products are more effective than brushing alone to remove food
particles and stains, and eliminates microorganisms.3
In combination with regular dental visits and maintenance, proper denture care
should be emphasized as a way to enhance the social confidence and overall
health of your edentulous patients.1
For more information on how the leading brand of effervescent denture
cleanser--Polident®--can help your patients clean tough denture stains,
control denture odor, and leave their dentures feeling clean all day,
click here. For more information on the clinicals and research,
continuing education and journal resources associated with denture care, click
a topic at right.
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