Antifungal activity of components used for decontamination of dental prostheses on the growth of Candida albicans

Introduction:The effectiveness of antimicrobial solutions employed in dental prosthesis decontamination is still uncertain.Aim: To evaluate the antifungal activity of cleaners used in the decontamination of dental prostheses on the growth of Candida albicans.Material and method: The evaluated products were: Corega Tabs(r) (S1), Sodium Hypochlorite 1% (S2), Sodium Bicarbonate 1% (S3), Hydrogen Peroxide 1% (S4), Chlorhexidine Digluconate 0.12% - Periogard (r) (S5), Mouthrinse based on essential oils - Listerine(r) (S6), essential oil from Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) at concentrations of 1% (S7) and 2% (S8). The antifungal activity of the products was evaluated by agar diffusion technique and the determination of microbial death curve of samples of C. albicans (ATCC 90028) in concentration 1.5 × 106 CFU/mL. The tests were performed in triplicate and statistical analysis was made by ANOVA Two-Way and Tukey tests, with the confidence level of 95%.Result:The average of the zones of inhibition growth, in millimeters, obtained for the products were: 0.0 (S1), 44.7 (S2), 0.0 (S3), 21.6 (S4), 10.0 (S5), 6.1 (S6), 0.0 (S7) and 2.4 (S8). Considering the determination of microbial death curve, all products showed a statistical difference (p<0.01) from control (0.85% sodium chloride) and S3 groups. Fungal growth less than 2×104 CFU/mL and an accentuation of the microbial death curve were observed after 30 minutes, with exception for S3 and control groups.Conclusion:The studied compounds, with the exception of Sodium Bicarbonate, have antifungal effect against C. albicans, which contribute for dental prostheses hygiene.