Awareness and practice of denture hygiene among denture wearers attending the prosthetic dentistry clinic at Dental Hospital (Teaching), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

This study investigates denture hygiene practices among individuals attending the Prosthetic Dentistry Clinic at the Dental Hospital (Teaching), Peradeniya, Sri Lanka aiming to identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement in oral health behaviours among denture wearers. A total of 159 participants were surveyed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire to assess awareness and practice of denture hygiene. Dentures from 83 patients were examined during the dental visits to determine the presence and percentage of denture plaque on the fitting surface of the worn dentures and were analysed separately. Statistical tests for association and goodness of fit were used. The study found a significant association between the age of participants and the frequency of denture cleaning (p = 0.0069), with older individuals exhibiting more frequent cleaning habits. Patient’s occupation (p = 0.0184) and income (p = 0.0319) demonstrated significant relationships with awareness and practice of denture hygiene respectively. Reception of denture hygiene instructions showed significant correlations with removing dentures at night (p < 0.001) and plaque levels (p = 0.025) on upper dentures. Awareness of appropriate denture cleaning methods correlated significantly with actual cleaning practices (p < 0.001). Similar associations were observed regarding the awareness and the practice of removing dentures during the night (p < 0.001). The level of plaque in the upper denture was found to have significant associations with the patient’s age (p = 0.016) and the denture age (p < 0.001). This study underscores the intricate relationship between demographic factors, knowledge, and behaviour in denture hygiene practices. Targeted educational interventions tailored to socioeconomic backgrounds may help bridge existing knowledge gaps and improve oral health outcomes among denture wearers. Overall, these findings contribute valuable insights into strategies for enhancing denture hygiene practices and promoting better oral health among diverse populations.