The effect of prosthesis disinfection on salivary microbial levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate how the soaking of dentures in a disinfection solution affects salivary microbe counts and stomatitis of partially dentate patients. Patients soaked their dentures for 4 weeks randomly both in a disinfection solution and in a placebo solution. Mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeast counts were measured before and after each test period and also the flow rate, buffer capacity and pH of saliva were registered. Disinfection decreased all microbe levels investigated, but only lactobacilli counts decreased significantly. Placebo treatment had either no effect on salivary microbe counts or they increased slightly. Disinfection caused some reduction of the mucosal inflammation under the denture base, but could not completely remove stomatitis during the 4-week test period.