RESUMO
The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of educational materials on the denture hygiene and utilization habits of 70 adult volunteers who had been using complete dentures for at least 5 years. On the day they received new dentures, 32 patients were provided with an illustrated leaflet and verbal instructions on oral hygiene and utilization habits, while the remaining 38 participants were advised to continue cleaning and wearing their new dentures as they had their previous dentures. After a 6- to 10-week period, 66 of 70 subjects were interviewed about socioeconomic factors, denture hygiene, and utilization habits. The percentage of patients with a proper denture care routine was low in both groups, suggesting that patients had a tendency not to change old habits. However, statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between receiving instruction and performing denture care in a way that is closer to the recommended method: brushing without toothpaste, using a specific brush; soaking in a sodium hypochlorite solution; and removing the prosthesis at night. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that this approach to patient education could be applied to improve the hygiene and utilization habits of denture wearers as well as encourage the correct use of complete dentures.