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.
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 productsalli, Nicorette, NicoDerm CQ, Commit, Abreva, Aquafresh, Sensodyne, and TUMS, trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.
About GlaxoSmithKline
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[i] Dikbas et al, Int J Prosthodont 2006; 19: 294-8
[iii] Dikbas et al, Int J Prosthodont 2006; 19: 294-8
[iv] Kleber CJ 2006 Research Report Study L2630368
[v] GSK Micro Study MD# 060-03
[viii] Canadian denture care quality of life research, 2005
[ix] Data on File, GlaxoSmithKline (WSI, 111-188-20)
[x] Davis DM, Fiske J, Scott B, Radford DR. Br Dent J. 2000 May 13;188(9):503-6.
Polident Keeps Denture Surfaces Smooth, Promotes Less Bacteria Growth
In a study of 234 denture wearers’ cleaning habits, results showed that popular methods fail to deliver suitable cleansing[x]:
- Only 11% of patients had clean dentures[x]
- 52% brushed their dentures with toothpaste or regular soap[x]
- Recent data show brushing with toothpaste causes denture surface roughness[x]
Unlike toothpaste, Polident is non-abrasive and cleans without scratching. Unscratched surfaces promote less bacteria growth.
Polident kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria and removes plaque and tough stains.[x]
Using Polident every day helps denture patients maintain complete denture hygiene, without scratching denture surfaces.
Super PoliGrip Improves Treatment Outcome—Even for Well Fitting Dentures
In studies on patients with well-fitting, well-made dentures, Super PoliGrip showed promising results:
Food Occlusion in Well-Fitting Dentures:
- Patients describe a significant improvement in their denture experience after using Super PoliGrip, reporting a 27% increase in confidence, 28% increase in comfort and 31% increase in satisfaction.[x]
Bite Force in Well-Fitting Dentures:
- Super PoliGrip provided significantly higher bite force than no adhesives, giving patients more confidence to eat difficult foods.[x]
Masticatory Efficacy in Well-Fitting Dentures:
- 60% of Super PoliGrip patients experienced no dislodgement, versus only 24% with no adhesive.[x]
Super PoliGrip products are clinically shown to provide patients with significant functional and emotional benefits.
Recommending Super PoliGrip helps dental professionals provide comfort and confidence to patients with well-fitting, well-made dentures.