The Effect of Residual Food Stain on Candida Albicans Colonisation of Denture Acrylics

Ann Smith,Sarah Al Kutubi,David Williams,Paul Milward,David Bradshaw,Wendy Rowe

doi:10.31487/j.dobcr.2020.02.06

Abstract

Objectives: In the UK, 19% of adults wear dentures. Failure to keep a denture clean can lead to staining from foods, along with subsequent colonisation of the denture and associated mucosa by microorganisms, particularly Candida albicans. This colonisation can potentially lead to chronic erythematous candidosis and other oral infections. This study investigated the association between staining of denture acrylics by different food types and subsequent C. albicans colonisation. Materials and Methods: Chemically polymerised acrylic specimens were produced and stained for 14 days with six different combinations of food stains. The level of acrylic staining was determined spectrophotometrically. Specimens were then incubated in Sabouraud-dextrose broth (SAB) or SAB inoculated with Candida albicans. Confocal laser scanning microscopy coupled with propidium iodide staining of C. albicans was used to determine the extent of C. albicans colonisation to these acrylics. Results analysed descriptively and by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), one sample student t-test, and Dunnett’s test. Results: Acrylics in Group 4 (stained with spices, tomato puree, acai berry juice and sunflower oil) exhibited highest staining but had low C. albicans colonisation. Highest C. albicans colonisation occurred with Group 5 (sunflower oil) stained acrylics. The unstained control acrylic group had lowest colonisation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that staining acrylics with certain foods promoted C. albicans colonisation, but this was not associated with level of visual staining. Further research is required to determine the precise mechanism(s) by which residual food stains promote candidal colonisation on denture acrylics. This knowledge may then be used by dental professionals to advise patients on improving denture hygiene to improve not only denture aesthetics but also minimise Candida biofilms.

Highlights

Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances used to restore both function and aesthetics once a person has lost some or all of their natural teeth
This study investigated the association between staining of denture acrylics by different food types and subsequent C. albicans colonisation
This study demonstrated that staining acrylics with certain foods promoted C. albicans colonisation, but this was not associated with level of visual staining

Summary

Introduction

Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances used to restore both function and aesthetics once a person has lost some or all of their natural teeth. In the presence of a denture, which can lower oxygen and saliva flow over the underlying mucosa, C. albicans can rapidly colonise and become pathogenic. If left untreated, this can lead to the development of chronic erythematous candidosis or denture-induced stomatitis [3, 4]. If a patient wearing a partial denture does not maintain good oral hygiene, increased plaque and bacterial levels can lead to plaque-mediated diseases such as dental caries (on the remaining teeth) or periodontal diseases [5]. While the colour of denture teeth may be the most important aspect to patients, staining of the acrylic denture base can lead to aesthetic concerns

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