Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical, chemical, and combined methods of removable denture care in elderly individuals over a 6-month period. Materials and Methods. This single-center randomized controlled trial involved 60 elderly patients (aged over 65 years) using removable dentures. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups (20 participants each): mechanical cleaning (brushing with a toothbrush and paste), chemical cleaning (using a cleaning solution), and combined cleaning. Over a 6-month period, the denture plaque index (PPI), oral candidiasis index (OCI), and patients' subjective assessment of denture cleanliness using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). The methodology for plaque assessment is often based on standardized methods that require verification. Results. All three denture care methods led to a statistically significant reduction in both PPI and OCI compared to baseline values (p <0.001). However, the combined cleaning method proved to be the most effective in reducing PPI and OCI, as well as in improving the subjective assessment of denture cleanliness, compared to both mechanical and chemical cleaning methods (p < 0.001). The effectiveness of combined interventions for improving denture hygiene in real-world practice is supported by recent randomized controlled trials. Conclusions. The combined method of removable denture care is the most effective for significantly improving denture hygiene and reducing the risk of oral candidiasis in elderly individuals, underscoring its importance for clinical practice and enhancing patients' quality of life. The status of the oral microbiome and its impact on the overall health of elderly patients in relation to denture care requires ongoing attention.
Akhmadishina et al. (Fri,) studied this question.