Evaluation of roughness produced by commercially available dentifrices on denture base resins- in vitro study

Abstract

Denture cleanliness is essential to prevent malodor, poor esthetics, and the accumulation of plaque/calculus and biofilms. Several methods like brushing with dentifrice, soaking dentures in effervescent solutions and ultrasonic treatment have been suggested for physical removal of surface contaminants to reduce plaque and biofilms. Implementation of these methods depends on patient’s social, financial and educational background and awareness for the maintenance of denture hygiene. Initially the overzealous patients meticulously try to clean plaque by using the abrasive agents and hard brush to remove plaque. This approach results in increase in the roughness of the denture surface causes faster accumulation of plaque and accelerated growth of micro organisms which results in denture stomatitis. Keeping this in mind the study was undertaken to establish which dentifrice is most and which is least abrasive on denture base resins and would create less surface roughness.