The effect of overnight storage conditions on complete denture colonization by Candida albicans and dimensional stability: A systematic review

Abstract Statement of problem Overnight removal of complete dentures is recommended to reduce the incidence of denture stomatitis. The effect of overnight storage conditions is unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of overnight storage conditions on complete denture colonization by Candida albicans and to explore the effect of overnight storage conditions on the dimensional stability of complete dentures. Material and 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 that did not store the dentures overnight or for a minimum of 8 hours were excluded. For the primary research question, studies that 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 performed. 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 because of variation in study design. Conclusions Cleaning of dentures before 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 an option for reducing C. albicans colonization, with clinically insignificant changes to the dimensions of the complete denture. Storing dentures in water alone may promote C. albicans colonization.