Self-reported denture hygiene of a sample of edentulous attendees at a University dental clinic and the relationship to the condition of the oral tissues.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to evaluate the habits of hygiene and usage of a sample group of Brazilian wearers of complete dentures.


METHODS
This study has a cross-sectional design.


METHODS
It was performed in the dental clinic of the University of Mogi das Cruzes.


METHODS
A sample group of 236 complete denture wearers was selected.


METHODS
The individuals were interviewed and clinically examined.


METHODS
Most commonly used hygiene habits were assessed and recorded. Possible relationships between habits and oral conditions were also assessed.


RESULTS
Dental treatment was sought by 43.6 % 10 years after their last dental appointment, 77.5 % declared they had been given no instructions regarding the hygiene of their dentures, only 22.9% said they had been instructed about oral hygiene, and 91.9% stated they had not been told to return for periodical review visits. Denture stomatitis was found in 42.4%, although 89% of these patients presented with no symptoms; 98.7% of the group brushed their dentures; 27.1% regularly immersed their dentures in chemical products; 26.3% removed their dentures overnight. A positive relationship was observed between the lack of recommendations regarding oral and denture cleansing and the presence of denture-related stomatitis and hyperplasia. Family income and periodicity of visits to the dentist were also found to be related.


CONCLUSIONS
Mechanical cleaning is the most prevalent method of hygiene. Self-reported lack of guidance to oral care was statistically related to inflammatory oral conditions. Future research is necessary to clarify possible causal role between these factors.
Marchini
L
L
School of Dentistry, University of Vale do Paraíba, São José dos Campos and University of Taubaté, Taubaté, SP, Brazil. leomarchini@directnet.com.br
Tamashiro
E
E
Nascimento
D F F
DF
Cunha
V P P
VP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000592:standards*; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000209:etiology*