Failure to keep appliances clean can turn an initially positive experience with oral appliances into negative over time. Even for those who clean their appliance daily, if they don’t follow the correct protocol then they could still be exposed to a range of diseases and discomfort.
Clinical Research consistently finds that the majority of people with Dentures and Dental Appliances will become infected over time. Without an effective oral hygiene routine, millions of people in the US currently suffer from long term, chronic infections.
More tragic, because these people don’t know that they are infected, they gradually become accustomed to the symptoms – redness, discomfort, loss of taste, respiratory and digestive problems – until these symptoms become the “new” normal.
Bacteria and Fungi, such as Candida Albicans, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and E. Coli
Exist in the Gastro-Intestinal Microbiome.
These Pathogens Colonize and Thrive on the porous material of Dentures, Dental Prosthetics and Dental Appliances, Leading to Pneumonia, Thrush, Stomatitis, Chelitis, Digestive Issues and Other Health & Respiratory Illnesses.
The likelihood of developing infections increases exponentially with advanced age, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and chronic diseases like Diabetes, Lupus, and Sjogren’s. Certain medications exacerbate these problems by upsetting the normal balance of oral flora and disrupting saliva formulation.
The risk of infection is even higher if you sleep with your dental appliance.
See article: Denture Wearing During Sleep Doubles The Risk Of Pneumonia
* If you experience any of these symptoms contact a dental or medical professional.
We’ve listed the most common diseases caused by infected dental appliances. Click on the infections to learn more.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. With pneumonia, the air sacs may fill with fluid or pus. The infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but particularly to infants, children, and people over 65. Symptoms include cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Thrush, also called oral candidiasis is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat.
Stomatitis is common condition where mild inflammation and redness of the oral mucous membrane occurs beneath a denture. Caused by a Candida overgrowth in the mouth, the symptoms of denture-induced stomatitis are subtle. The symptoms are small red bumps on the roof of the mouth and/or a general redness in the mouth, especially on the palate and ridges under your dentures. This most frequently occurs when dentures are not removed and cleaned regularly.
Cheilitis is a painful and unsightly candida/yeast infection that typically causes cracking at the corners of the mouth. Candida can accumulate in old and/or dirty dentures and from there spread to certain areas of the mouth.
From Dr. Berland’s 40+ years of experience, both as a denture technician and as a dentist, the best solution for infections is prevention with an effective cleaning routine, right from the start. Waiting until a patient is already infected, and treating the issue with antibiotics, has a range of consequences – the removal of good bacteria and increasing drug-resistance of the pathogens – while not eliminating the cause of the infection (an infected dental appliance).
Unfortunately, when an infected dental appliance is left unaddressed, the patient continues to suffer from the same recurring infections despite multiple treatments.
Your dentist will be able to recognize the signs of infection and develop a treatment plan.
It is absolutely essential to clean your dental appliance and mouth regularly as part of a daily routine. Especially after meals. See The Best Cleaning Routine For Your Appliance.
Not all cleaning methods are equally effective. Only use specialized products for cleaning dental appliances and check the packaging to make sure they kill disease-causing pathogens.
Most denture cleansers only claim to kill odor-causing bacteria and are ineffective at disinfecting Candida, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. Coli or Actinomyces. Do your research before purchasing a dental appliance cleanser to make sure they show studies on the effectiveness against pathogens.
A Daily Soak with the Liquid Crystal Cleanser & Ultrasonic Cleaner will Fully Disinfect All Removable Dental Appliances and Keep Them Clean As New.
Cleaning The Mouth Is Just As Important As Cleaning The Dental Appliance. Pathogenic Biofilm, Food Debris and Plaque Are Present In The Mouth And Can Cause Infections, Soreness & Discomfort.
Too abrasive, creates microscopic scratches into appliance material
where pathogens thrive and increases staining, discoloration & odor.
Can permanently damage & discolor the appliance
material and negatively affect the appliance and health of patient.
Often contains alcohol, can cause stains on appliance without disinfecting completely.
Only deodorizes the appliance, “fizzing” reaction can harm the soft material.
Not made for dental appliances, doesn’t disinfect, potential for ingesting soap.
