Number Of Mutans Streptococci Research Articles

Comparative Assessment of Herbal Mouthwash with Chlorhexidine on Plaque Accumulation, Gingivitis, and Salivary Streptococcus mutans Growth

ABSTRACT Objectives: The goal of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of a commercially available herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on the number of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva, the condition of the gingival tissue, and plaque development. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two adults in all, ranging in age from 20 to 30, were divided into two groups at random. Throughout the 14-day clinical trial, Group A (11) and Group B (11) received 10 mL of test herbal mouthwash and chlorhexidine, respectively. Result: Herbal mouthwash was discovered to be equally as effective as chlorhexidine in lowering the salivary mutans streptococci count and in affecting plaque and gingival scores. Conclusion: Alternatives from the herbal world may show to be a reliable and secure therapy option.

Effect of Chitosan on the Number of Streptococcus mutans in Saliva: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate the efficacy of chitosan-containing chewing gums, and to test their inhibitory effects on Streptococcus mutans. The systematic search was performed in three databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed) and included English-language randomized-controlled trials to compare the efficacy of chitosan in reducing the number of S. mutans. To assess the certainty of evidence, the GRADE tool was used. Mean differences were calculated with a 95% confidence interval for one outcome: bacterial counts in CFU/mL. The protocol of the study was registered on PROSPERO, registration number CRD42022365006. Articles were downloaded (n = 6758) from EMBASE (n = 2255), PubMed (n = 1516), and Cochrane (n = 2987). After the selection process, a total of four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and three in the quantitative synthesis. Our results show that chitosan reduced the number of bacteria. The difference in mean quantity was -4.68 × 105. The interval of the random-effects model was [-2.15 × 106; 1.21 × 106] and the prediction interval was [1.03 × 107; 9.40 × 106]. The I2 value was 98% (p = 0.35), which indicates a high degree of heterogeneity. Chitosan has some antibacterial effects when used as a component of chewing gum, but further studies are needed. It can be a promising antimicrobial agent for prevention.

Decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial colonies after administration of sentul fruit peel extract gel (Sandoricum koetjape) in gingivitis model of white Wistar rats

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/NpcREsYIlEE Introduction: Sentul fruit peel extract (Sandoricum koetjape) has the ability to bacterium Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus after administration of Sentul fruit peel extract gel on gingivitis model white Wistar rats. Utilization of extracts from the skin of sentul fruit (Sandoricum koetjape) as well as the proper use of natural sources will have an impact on the prevention and healing of gingivitis. The study aimed to determine the decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonies after administration of nano gel of sentul fruit peel extract in the gingivitis model of white Wistar rats. Method: study design with experimental animal models. The data obtained by the One-Way ANOVA test and if the effect is significant continue with Duncan's test at the 5% level. Result: There was a decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria colonies after administration of Sentul fruit peel extract gel in the gingivitis model of white Wistar Rats. The best gel concentration was Sentul peel extract gel 2.4% with the smallest number of bacterial colonies, Staphylococcus aureus colonies of 2.2 x 102 ± 1.9 x 101 colony forming unit (cfu) and the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies of 2.6 x 102 ± 1.2 x 101 CFU. Conclusion: Sentul fruit peel extract 2.4% effectively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus Aureus in white Wistar rat models with gingivitis.

Research Confirms Effectiveness of Oral Health Preventive Practices

Lack of insurance or funds for dental services, lack of access to dental offices, fear of dentists, and avoidance of dental offices during COVID can lead to oral health problems in older adults. Brushing, flossing, and drinking fluoridated water can protect teeth when dentists are unavailable. Limiting intake frequency of carbohydrates and chewing sugarfree gum after eating add protection. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of sugarfree gum in reducing caries, in children and adults who chewed sugarfree gum compared with those who did not chew. Chewing sugarfree gum significantly reduced caries increment, with a prevented fraction of 28 percent, roughly equivalent to the prevented fractions for fluoride toothpastes and supplements. A follow-up systematic review provides further evidence that chewing sugarfree gum reduces the numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity. Finally, chewing sugarfree gum could alleviate symptoms of xerostomia and may reduce caries.

Inhibitory Power of Papaya Leaves to the Adhesion of Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria to Neutrophils

Papaya leaves contain several active substances that are thought to inhibit bacterial adhesion. This study aims to determine the inhibitory power of papaya leaf extraction and papaya leaf infusion to the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans bacteria to neutrophils and differences in inhibition in various concentrations. The method used is an in vitro experimental laboratory with a post-test-only control group design. The sample consisted of several concentrations of papaya leaf extraction and papaya leaf infusion (control, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The treatment group was added with neutrophil isolates and incubated for 3 hours, then exposed to Streptococcus mutans for 2.5 hours. Knowing the adhesion index can be done by calculating the average number of Streptococcus mutans attached to 100 neutrophils. The results showed successively with rounding in control, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% papaya leaf infusion, adhesion of 9237, 8929, 7436, 3870, 3162 bacteria to neutrophils occurred. The minimum concentration of 25% papaya leaf extraction and 50% papaya leaf infusion can inhibit the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to neutrophils. There is a difference in the ability between papaya leaf extraction and papaya leaf infusion in inhibiting the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to neutrophils as follows: papaya leaf extraction 25% to papaya leaf infusion 25% obtained sig value ≥0.001* with a mean square of -16.38, papaya leaf extraction 50% to Papaya leaf infusion 50% got a sig value of ≥0.001* with a mean square of -42.91, 75% papaya leaf extraction to 75% papaya leaf infusion got a sig value of ≥0.001* with a mean square of -28.85 and 100% papaya leaf extraction to 100% papaya leaf infusion obtained a sig value of ≥0.001* with a mean square of -26.11.

Antibacterial Effects of Orthodontic Primer Harboring Chitosan Nanoparticles against the Multispecies Biofilm of Cariogenic Bacteria in a Rat Model

Microbial biofilm accumulation around orthodontic brackets and composite is a common complication of fixed orth-odontic treatment. This study assessed the antibacterial effects of orthodontic primer containing chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) against the multispecies biofilm of cariogenic bacteria in а rat model. Transbond XT orthodontic primer containing 0%, 1%, 5%, and 10% CNPs was experimentally prepared. The Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=7) of control (0% CNPs), 1%, 5% and 10% CNPs. The oral cavities of the rats were infected with cariogenic bacteria. After anesthetizing the rats, 1 drop (10 µL) of primer with different concentrations of CNPs was applied to their central incisor and light-cured for 20 seconds. Transbond XT orthodontic adhesive (2 × 2 mm) was applied on the primer. Another drop (10 µL) of primer was applied and light-cured for 40 seconds. The number of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus colonies in the saliva of rats was quantified at 24 hours, 4 days and 7 days. Adding 1% (p=0.005), 5% (p<0.001) and 10% (p<0.001) of CNPs to orthodontic primer significantly reduced the S. mutans colony count at 24 hours compared with the control group. At 24 hours, the mean S. sanguinis colony counts in the 5% (p=0.04) and 10% (p=0.02) CNP groups were significantly lower than that in the control group. Also, at 4 and 7 days, the mean colony counts in the 5% and 10% CNP groups were significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). At 24 hours and 4 days, the mean L. acidophilus colony count in the 10% CNP group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). At 7 days, rats with failed adhesive showed a significantly higher count of all three bacteria compared with rats with adhesive (p<0.05). The addition of 5% CNPs to orthodontic primer significantly decreased the colony count of cariogenic bacteria in rats.

Overview of the Total Bacteria and Number of Streptococcus mutans in the Saliva of Children with High Caries Activity

Introduction: Microorganisms play a crucial role in the early stage of caries. Streptococcus mutans produces lactic acid, which enhances the risk of caries. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used in the amplification and replication of DNA. PCR exhibits high specificity and a rapid detection time, as well as differentiation between microorganisms. Based on a previous study, there is a significant correlation between S. mutans in saliva and the prevalence of caries. Objectives: To provide an overview of the total bacteria and number of S. mutans in the saliva of children aged between 5 and 10 years at the Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: Saliva sample from children (n = 28, aged 5-10 years old) was collected from healthy children. 2-3 mL of a saliva samples were collected and cultured by using TYS media for total bacterial count. The number of S. mutans in the saliva of these children was counted by real-time PCR methods by using a fluorescence chemical compound green SYBR using 16S rRNA gene specific primers for S. mutans. Results: The average number of total bacterial colony count in saliva was 9.965 ± 2.078 log10 CFU/mL, and the average number of S. mutans in the saliva of children was 8.303 ± 2.351 log10 CFU/mL. Conclusion: The number of S. mutans in the saliva of children in Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University was categorized is in the high-risk.

Guest Editorial

Guest Editorial

Effect of Xylitol on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically review the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the effect of xylitol on the number of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) colonies.&#x0D; Methods: An electronic search was carried out in Medline and Scopus databases for the RCTs published during 2002-2014. The inclusion criteria were evaluation of xylitol gums, having at least one control group and counting S. mutans colonies. The articles were divided into three groups based on the subjects’ age group namely 0-6, 6-18 and over 18 years. To assess the quality of RCTs, the retrieved articles were independently reviewed by two reviewers in terms of randomization and in order to prevent the effect of blinding on the results. Review Manager (RevMan) software, heterogeneity test and I2 coefficient as the quantitative scale of heterogeneity were used for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results: Primary search of the literature using keywords related to sugar alcohols. After applying the inclusion criteria, 46 articles were found in PubMed and 356 in Scopus. Heterogeneity was not found in the two age groups of 6-18 and over 18 years and the I2 coefficient in these two groups was 0%. This rate for the 0-6 year-olds was 51% (P=0.15); which indicates moderate heterogeneity. The P value was 0.25, 0.34 and 0.04 for the 6-18, 0-6 and over 18 year-olds, respectively. This value was only significant for the over 18 year-old group. Data for all groups were analyzed irrespective of age, which revealed significant differences (P=0.01).&#x0D; Conclusions: The available literatures show xylitol as an alternative sweetener, could help to prevent dental caries by reducing the count of S. mutans in the saliva.

Dental Caries and Risk Factors in Swedish Adolescents about to Start Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Appliances

The aim of this study is to investigate the caries situation in a group of Swedish adolescents, who were scheduled for orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. An age- and gender-matched control group was selected from the same city (Malmö, Sweden). Caries and fillings on smooth surfaces and fillings on occlusal surfaces were diagnosed clinically and caries and fillings on approximal surfaces by bitewings. Numbers of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) were analyzed in saliva. There were no significant differences regarding manifest caries lesions and fillings on smooth surfaces. Numbers of occlusal-filled surfaces (FS) and approximal decayed and filled surfaces were around 10%, but did not differ between the groups. However, 53% had approximal enamel caries lesions in the test group and 46% in the control group. The prevalence of approximal decayed surfaces (DS) and FS was low in both groups, 0.57 ± 1.41 in the test group and 0.65 ± 1.38 in the control group (p > 0.05), i.e., somewhat more DS in the control group (p < 0.05). Most individuals had low/medium counts of cariogenic bacteria in their saliva and less than 10% high counts in both groups. Most Swedish adolescents who have been scheduled for treatment with fixed appliances appear to have a low-to-medium caries risk nowadays. However, around 10% of all approximal tooth surfaces of premolars/molars had enamel caries and one-third of the individuals had medium/high counts of cariogenic bacteria in their saliva, which may be risk factors for future caries during orthodontic treatment. Bitewing radiographs are important before starting orthodontic treatment and approximal caries and many cariogenic bacteria may be risk factors for orthodontic treatment.

Comparison of the efficacy of mouth rinses camellia sinensis extract, guava leaves extract and sodium fluoride solution, on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in children (an in vivo study)

AimThe aim of the present study is to assess and compare intraorally the effectiveness of 0.5% Camellia sinensis extract, 0.5% guava leafs extract, 0.2% sodium fluoride solution on the number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli spp. in the oral cavity. Materials and methodsForty four healthy children of age group 7–12 years was carried out. The subjects were randomly assigned to four groups: (A) 0.5% C. sinensis extract, (B) 0.5% guava leafs extract, (C) 0.2% sodium fluoride, and (D) Saline mouth wash, with 11 subjects per group. Plaque samples were taken and streptococcus mutans bacterial count was assessed before and after using the mouth rinses. Salivary samples were taken and lactobacilli bacterial count was assessed before and after using the mouth rinses. ResultsIn the in vivo analysis Wilcoxon matched pair test and Mann-Whitney U test showed that fluoride, green tea, and guava extract significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans colony counts in plaque compared to saline. While in vivo analysis of lactobacilli in saliva showed that there was a significant difference between the reduction percentage changes of all tested groups but there was no significant difference in the bacterial counts between all the tested groups before and after rinsing. ConclusionIn this in vivo study, green tea extract more effective than guava extract on streptococcus mutans in plaque in comparison to Fluoride while guava extract was more effective than green tea extract on lactobacilli in saliva in comparison to fluoride.

Effect of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 on oral microbiota of healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether short-term consumption of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 affected levels of oral microbiota in vivo and whether L. rhamnosus SD11 could colonize in the human mouth. We also monitored for potential side effects of the probiotic. The applicability of using L. rhamnosus SD11 compared with Lactobacillus bulgaricus as a starter culture for fermented milk was evaluated. After informed consent, 43 healthy young adults were recruited and randomly assigned to either the probiotic or control group and received fermented milk containing L. rhamnosus SD11 or L. bulgaricus, respectively, once daily for 4 wk. The numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and total bacteria in saliva were counted at baseline and then after 4 and 8 wk. An oral examination was performed at baseline and after 8 wk. The persistence of L. rhamnosus SD11 was investigated by DNA fingerprinting using arbitrary primer-PCR. Results demonstrated that statistically significant reductions in mutans streptococci and total bacteria were observed in the probiotic group compared with the control group, and the number of lactobacilli was significantly increased in both groups after receiving fermented milks. Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 could be detected (in >80% of subjects) up to 4 wk following cessation of dosing among subjects in the probiotic group. No side effects were reported. Thus, L. rhamnosus SD11 could be used as a starter culture for fermented milk. Daily consumption of L. rhamnosus SD11-containing fermented milk for 4 wk may have beneficial effects on oral health by reducing salivary levels of mutans streptococci. The probiotic was apparently able to colonize the oral cavity for a longer time than previously reported. However, the potential benefits of probiotic L. rhamnosus SD11 on oral health require further evaluation with a larger group of volunteers in a longer-term study.

Multicenter study on caries risk assessment in adults using survival Classification and Regression Trees.

Dental caries is an important public health problem worldwide. This study aims to prove how preventive therapies reduce the onset of caries in adult patients, and to identify patients with high or low risk of caries by using Classification and Regression Trees based survival analysis (survival CART). A clinical data set of 732 patients aged 20 to 64 years in nine Japanese general practices was analyzed with the following parameters: age, DMFT, number of mutans streptococci (SM) and Lactobacilli (LB), secretion rate and buffer capacity of saliva, and compliance with a preventive program. Results showed the incidence of primary carious lesion was affected by SM, LB and compliance with a preventive program; secondary carious lesion was affected by DMFT, SM and LB. Survival CART identified high-risk patients for primary carious lesion according to their poor compliance with a preventive program and SM (≥106 CFU/ml) with a hazard ratio of 3.66 (p = 0.0002). In the case of secondary caries, patients with LB (≥105 CFU/ml) and DMFT (>15) were identified as high risk with a hazard ratio of 3.50 (p < 0.0001). We conclude that preventive programs can be effective in limiting the incidence of primary carious lesion.

The evaluation of the impact of ozone therapy and Fluor Protector fluoride prevention on the number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp., in children dental plaque

The evaluation of the impact of ozone therapy and Fluor Protector fluoride prevention on the number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp., in children dental plaque

Randomized in vivo evaluation of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy on deciduous carious dentin.

The aim of this randomized in vivo study was to compare antimicrobial chemotherapies in primary carious dentin. Thirty-two participants ages 5 to 7 years underwent partial caries removal from deep carious dentin lesions in primary molars and were subsequently divided into three groups: control [chlorhexidine and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC)], LEDTB [photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) with light-emitting diode associated with toluidine blue solution and RMGIC], and LMB [PACT with laser associated with methylene blue solution and RMGIC]. The participants were submitted to initial clinical and radiographic examinations. Demographic features and biofilm, gingival, and DMFT/DMFS indexes were evaluated, in addition to clinical and radiographic followups at 6 and 12 months after treatments. Carious dentin was collected before and after each treatment, and the number of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Atopobium rimae, and total bacteria was established by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. No signs of pain or restoration failure were observed. All therapies were effective in reducing the number of microorganisms, except for S. sobrinus. No statistical differences were observed among the protocols used. All therapies may be considered as effective modern approaches to minimal intervention for the management of deep primary caries treatment.

Antibacterial and osteogenic stem cell differentiation properties of photoinduced TiO₂ nanoparticle-decorated TiO₂ nanotubes.

To improve the antibacterial and mammalian cell compatibility properties of titania nanotubes (TNTs) anodized into titanium (Ti). 3-8-nm TiO2 nanoparticles were decorated on the surface and inside TNT (TNT-TiO2) through a hydrothermal method. After UV light treatment, two types of oral bacteria and stem cells were cultured on the samples to determine antibacterial and compatibility properties. TiO2 nanoparticles increased the surface area and photocatalysis of TNTs. Based on the photocatalysis effect and prolonged photo-induced wettability, the numbers of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were lower on the surface of TNT-TiO2 than pure Ti and TNTs after the first 7 days. Specifically, for S. mutans, the glycosytransferase (gtf) genes were downregulated 0.1-0.2-fold on TNT-TiO2. Due to the different topography and high surface energy of TNT-TiO2, stem cells also showed improved osteogenic functions on TNT-TiO2. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time improved antibacterial properties and, at the same time, greater stem cell osteogenic capacity when decorating TNTs with nanosized TiO2 particles, which may significantly improve orthopedic and dental implant efficacy.

Effect of honey in preventing gingivitis and dental caries in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

THIS STUDY WAS CONDUCTED TO INVESTIGATE THE FOLLOWING: (1) the effects of chewing honey on plaque formation in orthodontic patients, (2) the effect of chewing honey on dental plaque bacterial counts, (3) determine if honey possesses antibacterial effects on bacteria recovered from plaques. Female orthodontic patients (n=20, 12-18years of age) participated in this randomized controlled study. The effects of honey were compared to treatment with either 10% sucrose or 10% sorbitol that served as positive and negative controls, respectively. The pH of plaque was measured using a digital pH meter prior to baseline and at 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30min after chewing honey or rinsing with control solutions and the numbers of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, and Prophymonas gingivalis in respective plaques were determined. The antibacterial activity of honey was tested against commonly used antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. Significant differences in pH were observed in the honey and sucrose groups compared to the pH observed in the sorbitol group (p⩽0.001). The maximum pH drop occurred at 5min in both the honey and sucrose groups; however the pH in the honey group rapidly recovered 10-20min after exposure and did not drop below the critical decalcification pH of 5.5. On the other hand, the pH following sucrose exposure fell <5.5 and was associated with a 30min recovery time. The pH observed for the sorbitol group did not change over time. Bacterial counts were significantly reduced in the honey group compared to the other treatment groups (p⩽0.001) and honey significantly inhibited the growth of all studied strains compared to inhibition observed with antibiotics (p⩽0.001). Honey can be used as an alternative to traditional remedies for the prevention of dental caries and gingivitis following orthodontic treatment.

Comparison of Saliva‐Check Mutans and Saliva‐Check IgA Mutans with the Cariogram for caries risk assessment

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the combined use of two rapid, semiquantitative detection kits (Saliva-Check Mutans and Saliva-Check IgA Mutans) to assess caries risk using the Cariogram computer-based program as a reference method. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from 71 subjects, 20-73 yr of age, and the number of Streptococcus mutans per ml of saliva was measured using Saliva-Check Mutans. After 15 min, a red line in the test detection window indicated >5 × 10(5) colony-forming units (CFU) of S. mutans per ml of saliva. The concentration of salivary IgA in relation to the number of mutans streptococci was examined using the Saliva-Check IgA Mutans test kit. The presence or absence of a red line after 15 min indicated a high or a low concentration of IgA, respectively. By combining the results obtained from these two test systems, each patient was classified into one of four groups of low to high caries risk. Compared with the Cariogram data, the combined results of both detection kits showed that 39 (95%) of 41 subjects had a high chance of avoiding caries and 20 (67%) of 30 subjects had a low chance. The data suggest that the combination of Saliva-Check Mutans and Saliva-Check IgA Mutans could be used for caries risk assessment.

Salivary lead in relation to caries, salivary factors and cariogenic bacteria in children

Saliva has been suggested as a useful biomarker of environmental contamination, including exposure to lead. The study examined the associations between salivary lead level and the following factors: blood lead level, the number of decayed and filled surfaces (dfs) on deciduous and permanent teeth (DMFS), salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, lactobacilli and mutans streptococci counts. One hundred and twenty saliva samples of children living in a shipyard area (known to be an area contaminated with lead) were analysed for lead. Clinical oral examination was conducted to define carious lesions in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organisation. The analysis revealed detectable levels of lead in a range of 0.16-28.52μg/dl with a mean concentration of 2.26±3.67μg/dl. No significant differences in salivary lead concentrations were found in relation to gender and age. The salivary lead level significantly correlated with the blood lead level (Rs=0.18, P=0.05). There was no association between the salivary lead levels and dfs or DMFS. The results indicated that children with high salivary lead levels did not differ in flow rate, pH, buffer capacity of saliva from those with low lead levels. However, the number of mutans streptococci were reduced in the high salivary lead groups, while the lactobacilli count was not associated with the salivary lead levels. The current finding suggests that saliva may not have potential to be an appropriate alternative for biological monitoring of lead exposure.

English

&nbsp; This study was conducted to detect the clinical effect on mucosa and the bacteriological effect on saliva of three types of commercially available denture cleansers. Forty edentulous patients free from any oral or systemic diseases were selected in this study. Conventionally constructed dentures were delivered. At the beginning of the study the clinical condition of the mucosa was recorded, and salivary samples were taken for bacterial culture. The patients were divided into four groups each of ten patients. For every group a denture cleanser was prescribed and patients were instructed to use it according to manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions, any other method of cleansing was prohibited. The fourth group was a control group that did not use any denture cleanser. Patients were recalled every month for checkup of the oral mucosa and inspection of the dentures. The results indicated that chemical cleansing of dentures decrease the total number of colony forming units of microorganisms and the number of&nbsp;Streptococcus mutans. The condition of the mucosa also improved with the decrease of the oral microorganisms. Chemical cleansers containing peroxide were better than those containing sodium hypochlorite. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Denture cleansers,&nbsp;Streptococcus mutans, patients.