A British research team has concluded that unclean dentures are linked to an increased risk of pneumonia. Dentures are designed to fit comfortably in the gums to replace lost teeth and are removable artificial teeth made from acrylic, nylon, or metal. While artificial teeth can help prevent issues with eating and speaking, they may also signal bad news for lung health.
A new study published in the journal Medical Microbiology found that these seemingly harmless devices can increase the risk of pneumonia if not cleaned properly. The study conducted by British scientists revealed a connection between dirty dentures and harmful germs known to cause lung infections. The research team examined whether the surfaces of dentures create an environment conducive to the proliferation of troublesome bacteria associated with respiratory infections, thereby heightening the risk of pneumonia.
The first group consisted of elderly and frail individuals with no respiratory infections, while the second group included hospitalized patients diagnosed with a lung condition. Using advanced techniques called 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR, the scientists analyzed the bacterial communities present on dentures. Quantitative PCR, also known as polymerase chain reaction, is a well-established method that helps detect and identify different types of microbial agents.
The research team focused specifically on identifying respiratory pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumonia, a bacterium commonly associated with pneumonia. Alarmingly, the researchers found a statistically significant increase in the overall abundance of this troublesome bacteria on dentures. They noted changes in the diversity and richness of the bacterial communities present on dentures among pneumonia patients.
While dentures were previously regarded as a reliable solution for missing teeth, this research highlights the need for further examination of their impact on public health. Dr. Joshua A. Tewig, the lead researcher from the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University in Wales, stated, "Our study revealed potential harmful microbial communities on dentures. It is essential to clean dentures thoroughly to reduce risks."
According to the NHS, you should adhere to the following guidelines to maintain the cleanliness of your dentures:
- Rinse dentures with toothpaste or soap and water before soaking to remove food particles.
- Soak them in a fizzing solution of denture-cleaning tablets to remove stains and bacteria (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
- Clean them by brushing again as you would with your regular teeth (but do not scrub them hard).
