Oral malodor and removable complete dentures in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oral Health
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Oral malodor is a common concern, particularly among elderly individuals wearing complete dentures.
• Factors contributing to halitosis in this population require further investigation to improve patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate oral malodor in complete denture wearers.
• To determine the association between oral malodor and factors like age, sex, oral dryness, burning mouth, tongue coating, and overnight denture wear.

Main Methods:

• 105 complete denture wearers (50-78 years old) participated in the study.
• Oral malodor was measured using a portable sulfide monitor, assessing volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels and tongue-coating scores (TCS).
• Data were analyzed using statistical methods including ANOVA and t-tests, with odds ratios calculated for VSC-related factors.

Main Results:

• No significant correlation was found between VSC levels and age, gender, smoking, medical conditions, or medication use.
• Oral malodor (VSC levels) was significantly associated with lower educational level, oral dryness, burning mouth, overnight denture wear, and higher TCS.
• Significant reductions in both VSC levels and TCS were observed after interventions.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial plaque on the tongue, oral dryness, burning mouth, overnight denture wear, and lower education are significant contributors to oral malodor in denture wearers.
• Implementing tongue care and encouraging overnight denture removal led to a significant decrease in oral malodor.
• These findings highlight the importance of specific oral hygiene practices for managing halitosis in complete denture users.