Toothbrush Handles Individually Adapted for Use by Elderly Patients to Reduce Biofilm on Complete Dentures: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

Reduction of biofilm on dentures is important for maintaining denture wearers' health. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of toothbrush handles individually adapted in reducing of biofilm on dentures. Study participants were 16 residents of the condo for the elderly, denture wearers, functionally independent and without cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (adapted toothbrush handles) and Group 2 (conventional toothbrush). Biofilm from the inner surface of the basal area of the denture was observed using 5% erythrosine. Images obtained before starting the use of toothbrushes, after 7 and 21 days were sent for computer analysis. The average amount of biofilm on the first day was considered severe in both groups. At the end of the experiment, the average biofilm coverage in Group 1 was 44.7% (13.1% reduction) and in Group 2 it was 48.6% (4.8% reduction). However, the Friedman analysis of variance test showed that the reduction was statistically significant (p< 0.05) only in Group 1, demonstrating the effectiveness of the adapted brushes. The findings of this pilot study indicated that for the reduction of biofilm on dentures the adapted toothbrush handles were superior to the conventional type.