Effect of Denture Storage on Candida Colonization and Dimensional Stability

Objectives: The primary research question of this review was to assess the effect of overnight storage conditions on complete denture colonization by C. albicans. The secondary research question focused on exploring the effect of overnight storage conditions on the dimensional stability of complete dentures.
Methods: Two electronic databases were searched through to November 2018. The terms “denture*”, “dental prosthes*”, “acrylic resin*”, “storage”, “nighttime”, “overnight”, “wet”, “dry”, “water*”, and “solution” were chosen. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. For both research questions, studies which did not store the dentures overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours were excluded. For the primary research question, studies which were not randomized controlled studies or comparative studies were excluded.
Results: The database search strategy resulted in a total of 159 potential studies. After screening titles and abstracts and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 6 studies were retrieved for a full-text assessment. Hand searching was also done. Four studies were included in the systematic review for the primary research question. Three studies were included for the secondary research question. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to variation in study designs.
Conclusions: Cleaning of dentures prior to overnight storage helps reduce C. albicans colonization. If the dentures are not cleaned, the use of an alkaline peroxide-based cleaning tablet should be considered. Alternately, overnight dry storage is a viable option to reduce C. albicans colonization, with clinically insignificant changes to the dimensional stability of the complete denture. Storing dentures in water alone may promote C. albicans colonization.