Self-reported denture hygiene habits and oral tissue conditions of complete denture wearers

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of denture hygiene on the development and intensity of denture stomatitis and traumatic ulcers and their relationship to age, gender, educational level, smoking status, age of the denture, denture hygiene habits and denture-wearing behavior. The study population comprised 310 complete denture (CD) wearers (159 males and 151 females) aged 60–85 living in Kırıkkale, Turkey. Denture hygiene habits were assessed and recorded, and any relationships between denture hygiene habits and the condition of oral tissue were assessed. The majority (48.4%) of participants reported cleaning their dentures with a toothbrush and toothpaste and 45.2% with a toothbrush only. Less than half (44.8%) removed their dentures overnight. Stomatitis was observed in 35.8% and traumatic ulcers in 29% of patients. A positive relationship was observed between poor denture hygiene habits and the presence of denture-related stomatitis and traumatic ulcers. The degree of denture hygiene was significantly associated with age, sex, education, general health status, smoking status, self-perception of halitosis, overnight denture removal and denture immersion habits.