EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS METHODS OF DENTURE CARE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to comparatively evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical, chemical, and combined methods of removable denture care in elderly individuals over a 6-month period. Materials and Methods. This single-center randomized controlled trial involved 60 elderly patients (aged over 65 years) using removable dentures. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups (20 participants each): mechanical cleaning (brushing with a toothbrush and paste), chemical cleaning (using a cleaning solution), and combined cleaning. Over a 6-month period, the denture plaque index (PPI), oral candidiasis index (OCI), and patients' subjective assessment of denture cleanliness using a visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and post-hoc tests (p < 0.05). The methodology for plaque assessment is often based on standardized methods that require verification. Results. All three denture care methods led to a statistically significant reduction in both PPI and OCI compared to baseline values (p