Scientists Issue MRSA Warning for Dentures
Scientists have issued a warning that potentially lethal infections could be lurking on dentures and urged denture wearers to cleanse their dentures by microwaving them.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association has revealed that false teeth could be hiding potentially life-threatening bugs, including MRSA. The study also found that putting dentures in the oven or microwave for three minutes can help to prevent infections. Scientists also suggested using germicidal rinse to clean dentures. According to the study, either method is effective in preventing bacteria build-up for at least one week.
The study was carried out by researchers in Brazil and suggests that dentures could be breeding grounds for bacteria, including MRSA and drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Lead author of the study, Karen Tereza Altieri, a dentist from the Araraquara Dental School at the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Sao Paolo, said that this was the first study of its kind to put forward effective methods of killing MRSA.
Some experts in the USA have suggested that they will mention the methods to their patients following the findings of the study. San Antonio dentist, Victoria Vickers, said that it is well-documented that bacteria in the mouth can have systemic effects on the body.
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