Denture maintenance, care, and hygiene Flashcards
What are the negative effects of poor denture hygiene on oral and general health?
Oral health effects:
Caries
Periodontal disease
Denture stomatitis
Halitosis
Pain
General health effects:
Increased risk of aspiration pneumonia due to the reservoir of respiratory pathogens on dentures.
What factors contribute to poor denture hygiene?
Poor manual dexterity
Inability to self-care
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Poor diet
Old, worn dentures with loss of polished surfaces
Lack of oral health knowledge
Wearing dentures full-time
Ill-fitting dentures
Poor neuromuscular control
What are the key components of debris that accumulate on dentures?
Pellicle layer: Salivary proteins and bacterial products
Adherents: Mucin, food particles, desquamated epithelial cells, bacteria (e.g., Staph. aureus, E. coli, alpha streptococci), and fungi (Candida)
Plaque and calculus formation
Specific bacteria: Fusobacteria (produce sulfur compounds causing halitosis)
Why does debris accumalate?
- decreased salivary flow (polypharmacy)
- surface of denture not smooth
- fit surface of denture not exposed to cleansing effects of saliva
How does denture stomatitis develop, and what are its primary risk factors?
Develops due to poor denture hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, and continuous denture wear.
Candida species thrive in the acidic environment under dentures, particularly on porous acrylic surfaces and soft linings.
Describe the steps and materials used in mechanical cleaning of dentures.
Use soap and a soft brush to remove visible debris.
For professional cleaning, ultrasonic devices or polishing may be used.
Avoid metal-based dentures during microwave (20 secs) cleaning.
What are the types and properties of chemical denture cleaners?
Types: Alkaline peroxides, alkaline hypochlorites, acids, enzymes, abrasive cleaners, and other flexible denture cleaners.
Properties:
Remove biofilm and stains effectively.
Bactericidal and fungicidal.
Harmless to denture materials when used correctly.
Easy to use and inexpensive.
Non-toxic
What precautions should patients take when cleaning metal-based and soft-lining dentures?
Metal-based dentures:
Soak in alkaline peroxide or hypochlorite cleansers for a short duration (max 10-15 minutes).
Avoid acid-based cleaners to prevent tarnishing or galvanic reactions.
Soft linings:
Use only alkaline peroxide cleansers.
Avoid abrasive brushes and use cold water for soaking.
What are negatives of chemical denture cleaning?
Manufacturers instructions
Damage
Bleaching
Allergies
Thermoplastic appliances
What patient advice should be provided for effective denture care?
Daily cleaning:
Brush dentures with soap and a soft brush; avoid toothpaste.
Rinse after every meal.
Soak cold water daily max 20 mins with appropriate cleaners.
Less soaking time if metal based
Night care:
Remove dentures overnight to prevent stomatitis and allow tissues to rest.
Soak dentures in water after cleaning.
Regular dental visits:
Check for ill-fitting or worn dentures.
Assess mucosal health and manage changes in oral or medical conditions.
What challenges might patients face when adjusting to new dentures, and how can they be addressed?
Challenges: Discomfort, changes in speech, aesthetics, and function.
Management:
Set realistic expectations.
Encourage perseverance and provide detailed instructions (both verbal and written).
Ensure patients can independently insert and remove dentures
Summarize the NICE Quality Standard NG48 related to denture care.
Adults in care homes should be supported to clean their teeth twice daily and care for their dentures daily.
