A Systematic Review of Denture Hygiene: Microbial Challenges, Preventive Care, Patient Education and , Emerging Antimicrobial Technologies
Denture hygiene, Sodium hypochlorite, Biofilm, Denture stomatitis, Patient education, Oral health promotion, Preventive dentistry, Patient compliance
AuthorsABSTRACTObjectives: To assess the efficacy of different denture hygiene procedures and note the importance of prevention and education of the patient in enhancing oral health outcomes in denture wearers. Methods: The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to conduct a systematic review and register it in PROSPERO. In vitro articles and randomized controlled trials that were published between January 2000 and April 2024 were considered. Others that were tested included mechanical cleaning, chemical disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine, effervescent tablets), phytotherapeutic agents and newer methods such as photodynamic therapy and microwave disinfection. These outcomes were the decrease of microbes, elimination of biofilms, material compatibility, and patient outcomes. Results: A total of six studies (five RCTs and one in vitro) were included. The highest antimicrobial effect was observed in 10 minutes in 1 percent sodium hypochlorite, which reduced the number of bacteria and fungi. Chlorhexidine and Triclosan were effective as a combination with brushing. The microwave disinfection had similar outcomes to nystatin in the context of denture stomatitis treatment. Tablets were effervescent and enhanced the quality of life and microbial control. Conclusions: Chemical disinfectants, particularly sodium hypochlorite, remain the most effective denture hygiene method. Multimodal approaches enhance outcomes, though long-term evidence is limited. Clinical Relevance: Effective denture hygiene depends on both appropriate cleaning protocols and patient education, which are essential for improving compliance and long-term oral health. 1.INTRODUCTION Denture hygiene has a major role to play in the oral as well as the systemic well-being. The majority of dentures are made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which has an intrinsic porosity at the surface and microcracks, which facilitate the presence of microorganisms and biofilm proliferation [1,2]. Localized oral situations associated with the build-up of resilient biofilm are closely related to denture stomatitis, inflammation of the mucosa, and halitosis [3–5]. The sustained use of dentures, particularly overnight, is another factor that contributes to these risks in terms of interrupting the normal flow of saliva and the regeneration of mucosa, which creates an environment where the growth of microbes thrives [6,7]. Multimodal regimens with brushing followed by exposure to disinfectant solutions or adjunctive technologies such as ultrasonic cleaning, microwave irradiation, or photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been shown to be better at removing biofilms. The combination methods have been found to reduce reported reductions in microbial loads of more than 95% with randomized controlled trials [8]. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org - Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC
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