The denture hygiene, denture stomatitis and role of dental hygienist

Objectives: Denture induced stomatitis (DIS) affects a large number of denture wearer patients, particularly elderly people. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of DIS among a sample of denture wearers attending a teaching hospital, in relation to denture hygiene level and method, age, gender, objective and subjective severity of the lesion. Materials and methods: A total of 71 denture wearers were systemically interviewed and clinically examined by the same operator of their oral mucosal health and the denture hygiene practice. A questionnaire, including 20 questions was used in this study. Results: The results showed an incidence of DIS in both arches of 62% with no difference between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Denture hygiene within patients was good by 21.1%, of the sample, fair by 43.6% and poor by 35.2%. Another finding proved the incidence of DIS to be higher (Rev-1 + Rev-2) in elderly patients and a significant association was found between the presence of DIS and denture hygiene habits and sleeping with dentures (P < 0.05), with no differences related to gender. Conclusions: Results indicated that the predisposing factors to DIS are associated with the method of denture hygiene methods and use of denture while sleeping. Clinical significance: Dentists and dental hygienists should bear the responsibility by routinely providing post-placement denture hygiene instructions to educate and motivate the patient.