Control of denture plaque and mucosal inflammation in denture wearers

The aims of this study were to collect data about the popular methods and materials used for cleaning dentures among complete and partial denture wearers in Jordan and to discuss the relationship between denture base plaque and mucosal inflammation under dentures. A questionnaire consisting of six questions regarding denture hygiene practices and cleaning products was completed by 321 patients who attended two prosthodontic clinics for replacement or adjustment of their dentures. Following careful oral examination and examination of dentures, the relationship between denture hygiene and inflammation under the denture base was investigated. In this study there were 615 dentures and 321 patients. The mean age of patients was 65 years and it ranged from 18 to 100 years (s.d. = 10.1). The mean age of their dentures was 7.3 years (s.d. = 5.6) ranging from one to 27 years. The most popular method of cleaning dentures was brushing. Ninety-four (29 per cent) of the denture wearers had denture stomatitis. There was a statistically significant relationship between poor denture hygiene and denture stomatitis (P = 0.0001). There was also a significant relationship between continuous wearing of the dentures, day and night, and denture stomatitis (P < 0.0001). The presence of bacterial and yeast plaque on the fitting surface of the denture base appeared to be of critical importance for development and maintenance of denture stomatitis. It is necessary, therefore, that dentists should give instructions to denture wearers on how to clean their denture surfaces properly so as to maintain good hygiene and prevent denture stomatitis.