title: Care and cleaning of maxillofacial prostheses.
abstract: Both the cleaning and care of the prosthesis are fundamental for maintaining its quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to show the methods of cleaning and care the patient needs to take as regards the prosthesis and adjacent tissue, starting with correct instruction and training by the professional. It has been verified that among the materials for fabricating maxillofacial prostheses, silicone was considered the major retainer of microorganisms on its surface. Therefore, for cleaning prostheses, the use of water and neutral soap, as well as chlorhexidine, is recommended. As regards care of the adjacent tissues, it is recommended to remove the prosthesis before going to sleep, in addition to washing the prosthesis receptor tissues with water and neutral soap or with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Whereas for the mucosal surfaces of the ophthalmic cavity, cleaning with filtered and boiled water or physiological solution at least 3 times a day is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP, University of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil 16015-050. goiato@foa.unesp.br
authors.forename: Marcelo Coelho
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Goiato
authors.forename: Bruna Carolina Rossatti
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Zucolotti
authors.forename: Daniela Nardi
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Mancuso
authors.forename: Daniela Micheline
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: Eduardo Piza
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Pellizzer
authors.forename: Fellippo Ramos
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Verri
mesh_terms: D002710:Chlorhexidine; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D012828:Silicones; D012915:Soaps; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones; D012915:Soaps; D014867:Water; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine