Removable prosthodontics is one way to improve a patient’s oral health, but the hygiene practices need to be sound. A recent study reviewed evidence regarding oral hygiene practices relative to the effectiveness, color, and stability of removable prostheses. They also identified patients’ attitudes and habits in regards to denture hygiene.
While this study took place in Istanbul, the data is still relevant to doctors in the United States.
Patient Care Regarding Removable Prosthodontics
Researchers surveyed 145 patients between 39 and 82 years of age for this study. Out of this sample, 49% reported their dentist had not informed them on correct denture care.
Other important results included:
- 57.6% said brushing their teeth was the most frequent cleaning method used.
- 53.1% said they did not take their dentures out at night.
- The frequency of the use of denture cleansing tablets was significantly higher in women than in men.
- Denture cleaning was significantly higher among tobacco users than non-tobacco users.
- Age and education level showed no significant factor in removable prosthodontic hygiene practices.
This study is enlightening, and not in the best way. As dentists, it’s important to emphasize patient education with medical changes, including removable prosthodontists.
Improve Patient Education with Research
Caring for removable prosthodontics is more than extending the devices’ longevity. Taking proper care of dentures is extremely important when it comes to plaque control and patients’ oral health.
Surveys show that many patients are not bothered by using dirty dentures because they were never informed of the importance of cleaning them.
Improper removable prosthodontic care can lead to oral infections, making it essential for dentists to teach proper denture care. Dentists need to share the harmful effects that can occur without proper cleaning habits and techniques.
Hygiene habits may have a correlation when it comes to gender, but education, age, and patients’ attitudes do not seem to play a significant role in oral prosthodontic care. From this, we can conclude that the majority of patients with dentures do not have proper knowledge of the matter.
Both dentists and patients should make hygiene practices in removable prosthodontics a priority. Doing so can minimize the negative effects associated with improper care. Regular check-in appointments and periodical instructions may help patients to better understand the benefits of denture hygiene.