Denture cleaning techniques in the elderly affecting the occurrence of denture-induced stomatitis

The aim of this paper was to establish if and to what extent being informed on oral hygiene procedures affects occurrence of denture-induced stomatitis in the elderly population. The investigation included 150 elderly denture wearers. The following was examined: denture cleaning techniques, incidence of denture-induced stomatitis, source of information in regard to oral health and level of education. The level of denture plaque was registered on the denture surface and expressed in percents. Only 30% of dentures were clean. It has been established that there is a statistically significant difference in occurrence of denture-induced stomatitis in patients who clean their dentures correctly and those who do it incorrectly. In patients with dentures demonstrating a greater level of plaque, the incidence of denture-induced stomatitis was higher. Only 18% denture wearers were given instructions on denture cleaning by their dentists. The level of education is not directly connected with oral health care. Apart from others, dentists should pay more attention to oral health care of the elderly.