The effect of partial dentures and chlorhexidine gluconate gel on plaque accumulation in the absence of oral hygiene

A study was made of the effect of wearing partial dentures upon plaque accumulation in a group of 24 partial denture wearers, when oral hygiene procedures were withdrawn. The modifying effect of a 1% chlorhexidine gluconate gel on this plaque accumulation was measured. Plaque accumulation was measured at the end of four different denture-wearing regimens each 3 days in length. The wearing of a partial denture either day only or day and night, significantly increased plaque accumulation over not wearing a denture. There was no significant difference between plaque accumulation with day wear and day and night wear. The increase in plaque accumulation with day and night wear resulted from an equal and significant increase in both buccal and lingual plaque accumulation. Chlorhexidine gluconate in the form of a gel significantly reduced plaque accumulation during daytime wear. These results tend to confirm that plaque control is a major factor in determining the long-term effects of partial dentures upon the periodontal structures and emphasize the importance of oral hygiene in partial denture wearers.