New Data Shows Polident® and Super PoliGrip® Help Keep Dentures Cleaner, Improve Comfort and Confidence

New Data Shows Polident^® and Super PoliGrip^® Help Keep Dentures Cleaner, Improve Comfort and Confidence
Cleanser superior to toothpaste; adhesives assist even the most well-fitting, well-made dentures

PITTSBURGH, PA – October 2008 – Two recent studies of denture wearers and their habits have uncovered some surprising results for dental professionals. One study on denture cleanliness found that only 11 percent of subjects had clean dentures, highlighting the importance of teaching patients proper denture cleaning methods.[i] The other study, which examined the use of denture adhesive, found that adhesives may be beneficial even to patients with well fitting dentures.[ii] Examined together, the findings indicate a significant opportunity for dental professionals to educate patients on how to feel more confident and comfortable with dentures.

In the study on denture cleanliness, researchers examined the dentures of 234 patients. Fifty-two percent of the subjects reported that they brushed their dentures with toothpaste or regular soap, which may explain the researchers’ findings that only 11 percent of the patients had clean dentures.[iii] Data has shown that brushing dentures with toothpaste causes denture surface roughness, promoting bacterial growth.[iv] To prevent this, experts recommend that denture patients use a non-abrasive cleanser such as Polident to brush dentures, as it cleans without scratching. Polident has been shown to be a highly effective cleanser, killing 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria, and removing plaque and stains—all without scratching denture surfaces.[v]

The second study, examining denture adhesive use, found that many denture wearers may benefit from adhesives, even those with well-fitting dentures.[vi] The data runs counter to the conventional wisdom among dental professionals that well-fitted dentures eliminate the need for adhesives. For this study, researchers examined Super PoliGrip in 37 patients wearing well-fitting, well-made dentures, testing the food occlusion, bite force and masticatory efficacy as compared to no adhesive use. Results showed significant improvements in food occlusion, with patients reporting a 27 percent increase in confidence, 28 percent increase in comfort and 31 percent increase in satisfaction with Super PoliGrip. Data shows Super PoliGrip provided significantly higher bite force than no adhesive, giving patients more confidence to eat challenging foods. Additionally, the rate of dislodgement was significantly less for Super PoliGrip users, with 60 percent of patients experiencing no denture dislodgement, versus only 24 percent with no adhesive.[vii] The overall results showed that Super PoliGrip improved test results for food occlusion, bite force and masticatory efficacy, indicating that adhesives can improve denture treatment outcomes even among patients with well-made dentures.

The number one complaint of denture patients is that food gets trapped under their dentures, which can cause serious irritation.[viii] Discretion and freshness are also important to helping denture patients feel more secure, with 87 percent of patients concerned with denture odor.[ix] These studies help dentists realize that emphasizing a proper cleaning regimen and recommending an adhesive can benefit all patients, even those with dentures that have been made perfectly.

Data shows that the transition to dentures represents a major change in many patients’ lives, and 45 percent of denture patients report experiencing difficulties in accepting the loss of their teeth, making them feel less confident about themselves.[x] By providing patients with proper counsel on how to keep dentures clean, odor-free and secure, dental professionals play an important role in helping patients feel more confident and comfortable with their dentures.

For more information about Polident, Super PoliGrip, or GlaxoSmithKline’s other oral healthcare products, visit www.dental-professional.com.