Effectiveness of Denture Cleansers on Removal of Adherent Candida albicans Cells from Denture Base Acrylics of Various Roughness

PURPOSE: To experimentally examine the effectiveness of a small sample of commercial denture cleansers in removing Candida albicans cells from denture surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 216 specimens from three brands of denture base resins (72 for each acrylic resin) were divided into three groups of 24 specimens that each received a different surface treatment (Ra1, Ra2, and Ra3). The specimens were contaminated by the Candida albicans strain ATCC 90028, immersed for 15 minutes in one of two experimental denture cleanser solutions or in tap water, and placed in Petri dishes with culture medium. RESULTS: Candida albicans colonies were measured after 24-hour incubation at 37AEC. There was a statistically significant difference in the cleansing result depending on the denture cleanser used. CONCLUSION: The use of commercial denture cleansers may under certain conditions be effective in the removal of Candida albicans from denture bases.