Denture Hygiene

Question 1

“Do’s” for cleaning a denture

Answer 1

• rinse their dentures every time after they eat. Run clean water over them to clean bits of food or any loose particles on it.

• only use a dentist-recommended denture brush. It has soft bristles that will not damage the denture’s material. The patient should gently brush their teeth in circular motions while focusing on each area.

• One should only use ADA-accepted denture cleaner as well. This is a particular type of toothpaste that doesn’t contain chemicals such as calcium phosphate, salt, fluoride, and hydrogen peroxide that can damage artificial teeth.

• The patient should always soak their dentures overnight. This helps maintain the moisture needed to keep the dentures strong and well-shaped. Some doctors may recommend using a specific cleaning solution, but the person can also use plain water. Before putting them on in the morning, remember to rinse them first.

Question 2

“Don’ts” for cleaning a denture

Answer 2

• If you’re using a denture adhesive, don’t let it stay in place for too long. It is highly advisable to remove them 6-8 hours after application. This allows the gum tissue to rest.
• In addition, it doesn’t get more effective if a patient adds more on top of the old layer. The residue of the old adhesive may even prevent the fresh one from sealing the denture in place.
• The patient shouldn’t use a standard toothbrush when cleaning their dentures. It has stiff bristles that can gradually tear away the denture material.
• Some people use whitening toothpaste to clean their dentures, since they think it helps prevent discoloration and keeps their teeth bright. But patients should avoid using it. This type of oral cleaning product contains a bleaching chemical called hydrogen peroxide, which does not whiten artificial teeth.
  It can even damage them over time.
• The patient should not use freshly boiled water to soak or rinse their dentures. It may be tempting since hot water is known to kill bacteria. However, it can warp the shape of artificial teeth.

Question 3

Add a card about denture stomatitis

Answer 3

Tissue conditioner
Nystatin/miconazole gel for oral use
Denture soaked in NaOCl or chlorhexidine

Question 4

How is chlorhexidine an anti-septic

Answer 4

The positively charged chlorhexidine binds to the negatively charged bacterial cell membrane and cell surface, and thus causes loss of osmoregulation on and metabolic energy at low concentrations, as well as a loss of cytosolic potassium ions, thereby inhibiting cellular respiration. At higher concentrations, chlorhexidine causes a complete lack of membrane integrity, resulting in the leakage of cellular contents from the cell and, eventually, cell lysis and death. However, chlorhexidine is unable to penetrate biofilm
- can be bacteriocidal or bacteriostatic

It is most effective against Gram-positive bacteria, but it can also suppress Gram-negative bacteria, enveloped viruses and fungi

Question 5

Denture maintenance (from pros doc)

Answer 5

Brushing of dentures:
- Use soft bristled tooth brush and soap twice per day and after meals as necessary
Soaking:
- Can use proprietary cleaners to remove staining (Steradent- which is sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate peroxide, can be used with metal)
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Hypochlorite containing cleaners may stain / corrode metal-based dentures (avoid Miltons or ‘Dentural’)
- Avoid soaking in very hot / boiling water
- Remember to rinse / brush dentures following soaking, before putting back in mouth
- Denture cleaning tablets are used extra-orally, NOT chewed by patient