New survey shows an unmet need for education about denture care and the tools appropriate for proper maintenance
According to a new survey conducted by the makers of Polident® MicroClean™ denture cleanser, many denture wearers are making detrimental denture-cleaning mistakes, such as brushing with regular toothpaste (46 percent), which can cause scratches on the dentures where bacteria and other microorganisms can collect and grow.1 Recent studies show that oral health may affect overall health.2,3,4,5,6 It is essential that denture wearers get education on how to care for their dentures.
The survey also showed that while nearly half of denture wearers (46 percent) worry about bacteria growing on their dentures, an alarming 74 percent report that they did not discuss best practices for daily cleaning at their last dental visit.1 Additionally, over half of respondents report that they would value information from their dental professional about topics including: denture cleaning mistakes that can breed bacteria (71 percent), the kinds of toothpaste to avoid when brushing dentures (68 percent) and the latest innovations in denture cleaning (78 percent).1
“The survey demonstrates that there is an unmet need for education among our denture-wearing patients, and with 83 percent of the respondents citing dental professionals as their single most trusted source, we have a responsibility to provide them with the tips and tools they need to wear and maintain their dentures with confidence,” said Dr. Gregory Folse, a leading geriatric dentist based in Lafayette, Louisiana, and a paid GlaxoSmithKline consultant. “We need to ensure that patients are cleaning their dentures properly, such as using a denture cleanser like new Polident MicroClean as part of a daily oral hygiene regimen, so they maintain healthy mouths and good overall oral health.”
To ensure denture wearers are getting a proper clean,7 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare is launching new Polident MicroClean denture cleanser, which is proven to kill 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria and more of other microorganisms than regular toothpaste.8 Polident MicroClean can also effectively remove plaque and tough stains to prevent build up.9,10 Together with proper oral hygiene, Polident MicroClean helps to contribute to overall health and wellness.11
Having patients clean their dentures with Polident MicroClean, as part of a daily oral health routine, helps contribute to good oral health.12 Dental professionals who recommend Polident MicroClean should instruct patients to both soak and brush (with a soft-bristled denture brush) with the solution to effectively remove tough stains and remove 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria and more of other microorganisms than regular toothpaste.8 Brushing after soaking helps to ensure the removal of debris and plaque, and it also helps to dislodge food particles that soaking alone cannot.
Additionally, to assist dental professionals in helping their patients with denture education, GSK provides Denture Essentials Kits (DEK). The DEKs, which contain tools such as introductory brochures, product samples and coupons, are designed to help new wearers feel comfortable and confident with their dentures and maintain their overall oral health. Starting in November, dental professionals can request DEKs for their patients by visiting http://www.dental-professional.com/.
New Polident MicroClean denture cleanser is available over-the-counter and suitable for most denture wearers. Consumers can purchase Polident MicroClean at retailers, pharmacies and supermarkets across the U.S. Physicians can refer their patients to http://www.mypolicare.com/Default.aspx?section=poligrip for information on products available, directions for use and denture maintenance.
About the Survey
The survey was designed to document behaviors, concerns, awareness, and sources of information about oral care among denture-wearers in the U.S. The results are based on a sample of 312 respondents, including 187 women and 125 men, with an average age of 62. Respondents were carefully screened for wearing full and/or partial dentures including removable bridges. All surveys were conducted through an online research panel in August 2010 by Versta Research Inc., on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world’s largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®CQ®, and Commit®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples — alli®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, and TUMS® — which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: http://www.gsk.com.
