Optimal denture hygiene is key in the prosthesis wearing patient-population to avoid potentially harmful effects of pathogenic microorganisms that colonise the denture surface. Regular and effective cleaning of a denture is, therefore, believed to be essential for maintenance of healthy oral tissues. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish the most effective denture cleaning regimen.
The aim of this method development randomised controlled crossover clinical trial was to examine the effect of frequency of use of a denture cleanser on the microbial, clinical and patient-reported outcome measures of denture cleanliness. Its purpose was to establish an initial evidence base that would inform future larger scale studies in this area.
Nineteen patients were randomised and completed both seven-day treatment periods of the study. Clinical assessments, microbiological sampling and patient questionnaires were completed at selected time points to allow comparison between groups. A further in vitro study analysed the impact of different sampling methodologies on the number of microbes retrieved, to inform clinical protocols for future studies.
The results demonstrated that an increased frequency of use of a denture cleanser resulted in improved clinical and microbiological outcomes for denture cleanliness. These data can be used to adequately power future studies to confirm the findings of this initial study. The observation of the importance of moisture level at the sampling site will inform development of protocols for optimal sampling of denture plaque in future studies
