Influence of daily immersion in denture cleanser on multispecies biofilm.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily exposure to a denture cleanser on a multispecies biofilm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multispecies biofilms (five bacteria and Candida albicans) were developed for 64.5 h on acrylic resin specimens and randomized into control and experimental groups. In the experimental group, biofilms were immersed in denture cleanser for 3 min/day for seven consecutive days. In the control group, the biofilms were developed with no treatment for the same period. Biofilms from both groups were collected after 1, 4, and 7 days and analyzed for the number of microorganisms and polysaccharide concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy (CLSM) analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The total microorganism counts and bacterial populations were lower in the experimental group compared to the control group for all of the periods evaluated. However, the C. albicans counts continuously increased in all of the cleanser-exposed biofilms, with abundant hyphae forms on SEM and CLSM images. The polysaccharide concentration was significantly higher in the experimental group after 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily exposure of a multispecies biofilm to a denture cleanser reduces the number of total microorganisms but favors C. albicans development.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Daily use of denture cleanser is an effective method for controlling bacteria in biofilm, but it can potentially select C. albicans, an important etiological agent of oral candidosis.