Chemical Methods for Cleaning Conventional Dentures: What is the Best Antimicrobial Option? An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of different chemical agents used for denture cleaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biofilm samples collected from 10 removable dentures were subjected to 10 disinfection protocols: distilled water for 30 min (negative control); 1% sodium hypochlorite for 10 min (positive control); diluted sodium hypochlorite for 10 min; vinegar for 20 min; 0.2% peracetic acid for 5 min; alkaline peroxide solution for 5 min; alkaline peroxide solution for 30 min; 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate for 10 min; 0.05% sodium salicylate solution for 10 min; and enzymatic detergent for 2 min. Each of the samples was plated on petri dishes with Mueller-Hinton agar. The numbers of microbial colonies after 48 h at 37°C were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Diluted sodium hypochlorite, vinegar, and chlorhexidine digluconate inhibited bacterial growth, with an effect similar to that of 1% sodium hypochlorite. The 0.2% peracetic acid and 0.05% sodium salicylate solutions were ineffective against bacterial growth, while enzymatic detergent and alkaline peroxide achieved an intermediate effect. CONCLUSION: Diluted sodium hypochlorite, vinegar, and chlorhexidine digluconate can be considered adequate products for cleaning dentures due to their potential for inhibiting bacterial growth, similar to 1% sodium hypochlorite. However, the effect of these chemical agents on acrylic resin (polymethylmethacrylate) denture base materials needs to be examined to provide complete information about their clinical indication.

Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long-stay institutions in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how caregivers perceive the oral health status in the elderly they care for; the routines for oral hygiene in nursing homes; caregivers perceived barriers for quality oral care; and the caregivers competence and need for training in this area. BACKGROUND: The phenomena surrounding ageing has been the subject of worldwide interest, particularly concerning issues related to institutionalised elderly, where several studies have shown the precarious oral health status of such individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative interview study was held in a city in southern Brazil. Study participants were 26 caregivers of elderly people, belonging to seven institutions. Statements were collected through interviews, whose results were interpreted by phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Caregivers of institutionalised elderly reveal contradictions in knowledge and practices of oral health. Although it could be expected that the perception and attitudes of caregivers of their own oral health could influence the care they offer to the elderly, barriers to the implementation of such activities appear to refer to situations outside of their responsibility, especially in the absence of time and staff. CONCLUSIONS: The oral care of older people in geriatric institutions requires multidisciplinary and interinstitutional actions capable of reversing the continuing framework of neglect, requiring interventions for health promotion and disease prevention that can and should be implemented in institutions.