The effectiveness of chemical denture cleansers and ultrasonic device in biofilm removal from complete dentures

Adequate denture hygiene can prevent and treat infection in edentulous patients. Theyare usually elderly and have difficulty for brushing their teeth.

Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy of complete denture biofilm removal usingchemical (alkaline peroxide-effervescent tablets), mechanical (ultrasonic) andcombined (association of the effervescent and ultrasonic) methods.

Material and Methods

Eighty complete denture wearers participated in the experiment for 21 days. Theywere distributed into 4 groups (n=20): (1) Brushing with water (Control); (2)Effervescent tablets (Corega Tabs); (3) Ultrasonic device (Ultrasonic Cleaner,model 2840 D); (4) Association of effervescent tablets and ultrasonic device. Allgroups brushed their dentures with a specific brush (Bitufo) and water, 3 times aday, before applying their treatments. Denture biofilm was collected at baselineand after 21 days. To quantify the biofilm, the internal surfaces of the maxillarycomplete dentures were stained and photographed at 45º. The photographs wereprocessed and the areas (total internal surface stained with biofilm) quantified(Image Tool 2.02). The percentage of the biofilm was calculated by the ratiobetween the biofilm area multiplied by 100 and the total area of the internalsurface of the maxillary complete denture.

Results

The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison among groups followed by the Dunnmultiple-comparison test. All tests were performed respecting a significance levelof 0.05. Significant difference was found among the treatments (KW=21.18;P<0.001), the mean ranks for the treatments and results for Dunn multiplecomparison test were: Control (60.9); Chemical (37.2); Mechanical (35.2) andCombined (29.1).

Conclusion

The experimental methods were equally effective regarding the ability to removebiofilm and were superior to the control method (brushing with water). Immersionin alkaline peroxide and ultrasonic vibration can be used as auxiliary agents forcleaning complete dentures.