Complete dentures are the most common treatment modalities for rehabilitation of elderly completely edentulous individuals. After the insertion of complete dentures an important phase of denture maintainence and follow up begins. However most patients neglect this phase either due to lack of motivation or improper patient education. So, the purpose of this study was to determine denture cleanliness of a sample population of Kashmir, as well as to investigate denture cleaning habits and attitudes.500 denture-wearing patients visiting Department of Prosthodontics, Govt Dental College Srinagar Kashmir were surveyed via questionnaire to identify types and frequency of use of denture cleaning methods. Their dentures were also clinically examined to determine denture cleanliness using denture cleanliness index. The oral mucosa was also examined and rated. Results showed that the most common regimen employed was brushing with toothpaste (40.8% of patients). Results also showed that 72% of patients claimed their dentists did not inform them how to clean their dentures. Only 17% of patients had clean dentures. Older dentures tended to be dirtier than newer ones and had a higher incidence rate of accompanying denture stomatitis .Since ,in this population sample, most denture wearers did not clean their dentures satisfactorily, so, a need arises to launch a patient education tool in order to demonstrate and reinforce oral and denture hygeine habits among the patients. This would ensure an overall improvement in oral as well as general health.
