A 2-year study of Candida-associated denture stomatitis treatment in aged care subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy of two methods of treatment for denture stomatitis in aged care institutions.


BACKGROUND
Candida-associated denture stomatitis has been associated with a lack of denture hygiene.


METHODS
Sixty subjects with denture stomatitis were randomly divided into three groups: sodium hypochlorite denture soak, microwaving and control. Both methods of treatment were carried out on a nightly basis for 1 week, excepting the control group. Standardised photographs of the palate and microbial samples of palate, upper and lower dentures were taken before and after treatment.


RESULTS
Both hypochlorite and microwave irradiation significantly reduced the numbers of Candida and aerobic bacteria on both dentures and both methods significantly reduced Candida on the palate. However, palatal aerobic bacteria were not significantly reduced by either method and the controls showed insignificant changes at all three sites for both Candida and aerobes.


CONCLUSIONS
While both methods of denture disinfection were successful, except for the counts of palatal aerobic bacteria, three independent observers of the clinical photographs had difficulty in identifying the controls but were more successful with the treatments. The raters also showed that there was no difference between both methods of disinfection and this agreed with the microbiological analysis.
Webb
Bettine C
BC
Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. bwebb@dentistry.usyd.edu.au
Thomas
Cyril J
CJ
Whittle
Terry
T
D000368:Aged; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy; D019551:Dental Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*
D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite