Partial denture metal framework may harbor potentially pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

PURPOSEThe aim of this study was to characterize and compare bacterial diversity on the removable partial denture (RPD) framework over time.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis descriptive pilot study included five women who were rehabilitated with free-end mandibular RPD. The biofilm on T-bar clasps were collected 1 week (t1) and 4 months (t2) after the RPD was inserted (t0). Bacterial 16S rDNA was extracted and PCR amplified. Amplicons were cloned; clones were submitted to cycle sequencing, and sequences were compared with GenBank (98% similarity).RESULTSA total of 180 sequences with more than 499 bp were obtained. Two phylogenetic trees with 84 (t1) and 96 (t2) clones represented the bacteria biofilm at the RPD. About 93% of the obtained phylotypes fell into 25 known species for t1 and 17 for t2, which were grouped in 5 phyla: Firmicutes (t1=82%; t2=60%), Actinobacteria (t1=5%; t2=10%), Bacteroidetes (t1=2%; t2=6%), Proteobacteria (t1=10%; t2=15%) and Fusobacteria (t1=1%; t2=8%). The libraries also include 3 novel phylotypes for t1 and 11 for t2. Library t2 differs from t1 (P=.004); t1 is a subset of the t2 (P=.052). Periodontal pathogens, such as F. nucleatum, were more prevalent in t2.CONCLUSIONThe biofilm composition of the RPD metal clasps changed along time after RPD wearing. The RPD framework may act as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic bacteria and the RPD wearers may benefit from regular follow-up visits and strategies on prosthesis-related oral health instructions.

Oral health care for patients with Alzheimer's disease: An update

“…Oral health conditions related to ROHD risk factors include but are not limited to the presence of multiple large restorations, removable partial dentures (RPDs), periodontitis, and xerostomia . These conditions are common among older adults in general and, consequently among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, who present with these oral health conditions even before the onset of Alzheimer's disease.…”

“…The provision of dentures should also be done with caution. Adding RPDs without a corresponding improvement in oral hygiene may lead to an increased risk for ROHD . If the patient has enough chewing pairs to provide appropriate function, according to the principles of the shortened dental arch, then no RPD is the best treatment alternative …”

“…54 Among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, financial burden can be even more intense, as they have more out-of-pocket health expenses when compared to older adults with no dementia. 5 Oral health conditions related to ROHD risk factors include but are not limited to the presence of multiple large restorations, 55 removable partial dentures (RPDs), 10,56 periodontitis, 57 and xerostomia. 55 These conditions are common among older adults in general and, consequently among older adults with Alzheimer's disease, who present with these oral health conditions even before the onset of Alzheimer's disease.…”

“…Adding RPDs without a corresponding improvement in oral hygiene may lead to an increased risk for ROHD. 56 If the patient has enough chewing pairs to provide appropriate function, according to the principles of the shortened dental arch, then no RPD is the best treatment alternative. 70,74 The eight question is What is the best treatment alternative for this patient and what is its justification?…”

Factors associated with the counts of selected oral microorganisms in nursing home residents

“…Multiple factors are involved in the composition of oral microbiomes, including but not limited to the constant interaction between the human host and its microbial community, which involves host immune response and is modulated by dietary habits, multiple diseases, and medications 15 . Wearing dentures can also influence microbial composition 16 . Changes in microbial composition, especially those resulting in a proliferation of Candida albicans , have been implicated in the etiology of denture stomatitis, 9,17 which is the most common oral lesion among nursing home residents 18,19 .…”