Sanitization of dental acrylics: an in vitro study

The dental prosthesis is considered a prime etiological factor in denture stomatitis and especially Candida Albicans can initiate, maintain and exacerbate candidiasis causing local discomfort including mouth burning, sores and generalised mouth pain, but also can lead to systemic infections. Adherence of C. Albicans to denture acrylic surface as well as infiltration in the pores of the prostheses was demonstrated in previous studies. Appropriate oral hygiene is critical in prevention and treatment of denture stomatitis especially since the prosthesis itself may serve as an important source of reinfection. Unfortunately, most commonly used effervescent tablets only clean and/or decontaminate dentures without consistently reducing the number of micro-organisms, especially fungi. Objectives: In vitro evaluation of the sanitizing efficacy of Medical-Interporous TM (MST-Laboratories AG, Switzerland) against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenesis. Methods: With a sterile mono-use loop, the surface of TSA plates were inoculated with each bacterial strain (30-35° C 24hours) and the surface of a Sabouraud plate with fungus(20-25°C for 4 days). The micro-organisms ( 1 ml of 106 CFU/ml) were analysed in the presence or absence of the sanitizing tablet for survival after 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 1h, 6h and 12 hours by colony counts. Results: Only the growth of 2 colonies of C. Albicans was observed at 5 minutes. Absolutely no growth of any micro-organisms could be observed after 15 minutes of incubation in the presence of the sanitizing tablet, as compared to negative and positive controls. Conclusion: Under the experimental in vitro conditions, Medical-Interporous TM is highly effective against Candida Albicans, Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Streptococcus Mutans and Streptococcus Pyogenesis already at 15 minutes of contact. Currently ongoing clinical trials will provide further evidence of the efficacy for sanitization of dental acrylics and its beneficial effects in prevention and treatment of denture stomatitis.