Abstract

NOBREGA, Danúbia Roberta de Medeiros et al. Assessment of behaviour and hygiene habits of removable denture wearers. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2016, vol.73, n.3, pp. 193-197. ISSN 1984-3747.

Objective: To assess the behavior and hygiene habits of removable denture wearers in a Specialized Center for Dental Care (CEO). Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study including a non-probabilistic sample of 59 healthcare users. The data collection tool contained information concerning sample demographics, denture cleansing methods, and bedtime use of denture. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Most users were females (N = 34; 57.6%) who were 50 years old or older (N = 44; 74.6%), and experiencing edentulousness for 10 years or more (N = 51; 86.5%). They received instructions from the dentist in relation to denture cleansing and use (N = 35; 59%), used the mechanical method for denture cleansing, which consists of water-brush- -dentifrice (N = 40; 68%), and did not to remove the denture during bedtime (N = 36; 61%). Conclusion: The study subjects wore the same denture for over 5 years and performed cleansing procedures. To do so, they submerged the denture in disinfectants solutions, but did not remove it during bedtime. Further research in this field is required in order to provide information that can improve removable denture wearers' quality of life.

Keywords : Dental prosthesis; Oral hygiene; Habits.