Assessment of Efficacy of Two Types of Brushes for Removal of Biofilm from the Complete Denture Surface

Background: The various methods for the removal of biofilm from denture surface are mechanical (brushing and ultrasonic device) and chemical methods (alkaline peroxide and hypochlorite, acids, enzymes and disinfectants). Aim of the study: To assess the efficacy of two types of brushes for removal of biofilm from the complete denture surface. Materials and method: The current study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics of the dental institution. The selection of 36 healthy edentulous patients wearing maxillary and mandibular complete dentures was done. The patients were grouped randomly into 2 groups, Group 1 in which denture cleansing was done using toothbrush and Group 2 in which denture cleansing was done using Denture brush. Two techniques were used for cleansing. In technique 1, the denture surface was cleaned with brush with neutral soap whereas in technique 2, a specific denture paste was used as an auxiliary brushing agent for cleansing denture. The percentage of biofilm covered area was calculated and analyzed. Results: Significant difference in the mean biofilm exposed surface from week 1 to week 6 in both groups was observed. For both the groups, technique 2 was more successful in removal of biofilm as compared to technique 1 because the mean exposed surface of biofilm was significantly reduced in technique 2. On the comparison of group 1 and 2 on the basis of cleaning efficiency of internal denture surface, we observed statistical significant difference. Conclusion: Denture brushes are significantly more effective in removal of biofilm from the denture surface. Also, specific paste for denture cleansing increases the efficacy of denture brush.