Relationship between oral hygiene and fungal growth in patients: users of an acrylic denture without signs of inflammatory process.

OBJECTIVES

To answer to the following questions: is there any relationship between oral hygiene and the growth of yeast in patients without mucosal inflammation; and is there a need for mycological examination patients without mucosal inflammation?

BACKGROUND

Patients with candidiasis may report varied symptoms, but such infections are most often asymptomatic. In addition to its high incidence in denture users (60%-100%), there is a concern that species from the oral cavity may colonize the upper gastrointestinal tract and lead to septicemia, which has a 40%-79% mortality rate and can require a prolonged hospital stay. It is thus important for all physicians to be aware of the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of oral candidiasis in older patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on a group of patients who had undergone mycological examination and assessment of the intensity of yeast growth, and oral hygiene.

RESULTS

Ninety-one denture wearers who lacked signs of clinical inflammation were included in the study. The growth of was as follows: 14 patients had up to 20 colonies; 19 patients had over 20 colonies. Ten percent of patients with good oral hygiene proved to have more than 20 yeast colonies. 5% of patients with bad oral hygiene had more than 20 colonies.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no relationship found between hygiene and the growth rate of fungal microorganisms. In patients without clinical symptoms of stomatitis, mycological examination should be considered.