Introduction

Chronic diseases that preferentially affect the elderly such as arthritis and diabetes are experienced with greater frequency, greater severity, and more often in conjunction with other disorders with advancing age.  The same is true of tooth loss.  Care of dentures and the mucosal tissues of the edentulous mouth can be important for overall health, especially in older persons.  In addition, there may be greater social consequences of mouth malodor due to unclean oral prosthesis for someone whose dietary intake is strongly linked to socialization, such as an older person who attends a senior activities center for meals.

Unclean dentures causing or contributing to mucosal disease and/or impairment in eating, therefore, may have a more profound effect on a frail elder than on a younger, healthier person.  Simply stated, care and cleaning of dentures is more than a strictly esthetic concern in the sizable and growing majority of denture patients who are of advanced age.  This article is intended to provide members of the dental team with a review, comparison, and update of the strategies that are commonly employed for keeping removable oral prostheses clean.

Click Here To Navigate Within Article >> ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Denture Debris Removal of Oral Debris SUMMARY REFERENCES ABOUT THE AUTHOR