Denture maintenance Flashcards
1
Q
List common reasons for poor denture hygiene.
A
- poor manual dexterity
- inability to self care (eg dementia)
- xerostomia (polypharmacy)
- poor diet
- old dentures (loss of polished surface)
- lack of OH knowledge
- wearing dentures 24/7
- ill fitting dentures
- poor neuromuscular control
2
Q
What are examples of debris that can build up on dentures?
A
- plaque
- calculus
- food
3
Q
Define the pellicle layer.
A
- salivary proteins and bacterial products
- create a layer to which oral debris and microorganisms adhere to
4
Q
What makes up oral debris?
A
- mucin
- food
- desquamated epithelial cells
5
Q
What bacteria are found in the oral biofilm?
A
- staph aureus
- E. coli
- alpha streptococci
- spirochaetes
- fusobacteria (sulphur products create halitosis)
6
Q
What fungi are found in the oral biofilm?
A
Candida has an affinity for PMMA, acidic environment under denture favours candidal activity
7
Q
Where does debris accumulate on dentures?
A
- fit surface as not exposed to saliva and cleaning effects
- soft linings attract bacteria
- xerostomia can exacerbate problems
8
Q
What are the consequences of poor denture hygiene?
A
- caries
- periodontal disease (enhances but does not cause)
- denture stomatitis
- halitosis
- pain
9
Q
What is aspiration pneumonia?
A
- denture acts as reservoir for respiratory pathogen
- pneumonia is caused by aspiration of food, reflux and oral bacteria most commonly in older people
10
Q
How are dentures mechanically cleaned?
A
- soap and soft bristle brush
- microwave for 20s (PMMA dentures)
- ultrasonic
11
Q
Why is mechanical cleaning of dentures important?
A
- removes obvious debris
- must be mechanically cleaned before chemical cleaning
- give the ability to establish better hygiene
- hygienist cannot clean dentures must be done by dentist
12
Q
What are the ideal properties of a chemical denture cleaner?
A
- cheap
- easy to use
- effective removal of biofilm
- effective stain removal
- bactericidal and fungicidal
- harmless to denture materials
- non-toxic
13
Q
What are different types of chemical denture cleaners?
A
- alkaline peroxides
- alkaline hypochlorites
- acids
- enzymes
- abrasive cleaners
14
Q
Describe alkaline peroxide denture cleaner.
A
- most common
- light-duty denture cleaner
- active ingredient is sodium perborate
- effervescent
- tablet or powder form
- does not effectively remove stains or calculus
- eg steradent
15
Q
Describe alkaline hypochlorite denture cleaner.
A
- very effective antibacterial and anti fungal cleaning
- may corrode metal elements (10 mins max if metal)
- do not use for soft linings
- eg dentural
