Denture Care, Maintenance and Hygiene Flashcards
What are common causes of poor denture hygiene?
Poor manual dexterity
Inability to self-care
Xerostomia
Poor diet
Old worn dentures
Lack of oral health knowledge
Wearing dentures full time
Ill-fitting dentures
Poor neuromuscular control
What does debris on a denture consist of?
Salivary proteins and bacterial products
Oral debris - mucin, food, desquamated epithelial cells, and microorganisms adhere
Plaque turns to calculas as on natural teeth
Bacteria
Fungal - candida have an affinity for adherence to PMMA
How does debris accumulate on a denture?
Fit surface not exposed to cleansing effects of saliva
Increased problem with decreased salivary flow in the elderly
Denture surface isn’t smooth
What are the effects of poor denture hygiene?
Caries
Periodontal disease
Denture stomatitis
Halitosis
Pain
What is aspiration pneumonia?
Aspiration of food, reflux and oral bacteria into the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia
What can be used for mechanical denture cleaning?
Soap and soft brush
Microwave - no metal - for 20s
Ultrasonics
How should a denture be mechanically cleaned and why?
Remove the obvious debris
Sometimes professional cleaning - ultrasonic/polish
Scope of practice of hygienist - dentist must do this
Chemical cleaning ineffective unless first mechanically cleaned
What are the ideal properties of chemical denture cleaners?
Cheap easy to use
Effective removal of biofilm mass
Effective stain removal
Bactericidal and fungicidal
Harmless to denture materials
Non-toxic
What are the most effective chemical denture cleaners?
Alkaline peroxides
Alkaline hypochlorites
Acids
Enzymes
Abrasive cleaners
What are the negatives of chemical denture cleaning?
Damage
Bleaching
Allergies
Thermoplastic appliances
What shouldn’t be used to clean metal based dentures and why?
Acid cleansers
Effects the metal
Causes tarnishing
Causes galvanic reactions
What shouldn’t be used to clean soft lined dentures?
Hard toothbrushes as they are prone to damage
What is the FDI guidance on keeping dentures clean?
Brush your dentures daily
Soak your dentures daily
Leave your dentures out overnight
Visit your dentist regularly
What advice should be given on brushing dentures daily?
Rinse your dentures after every meal
Remove debris by brushing with a soft toothbrush soap and cold water
Ensure patients know not to use toothpaste
Ensure this is done over a basin full of water to avoid breakage if the denture falls
What advice should be given on soaking dentures daily?
Soak in cold water of max 20 minutes each evening with an alkaline peroxide or alkaline hypochlorite denture cleaner
Less soaking time if metal based or soft lined
Rinse thoroughly with cold water then soak overnight in water
