Candida colonisation and the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on soft silicone-lined dentures of diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate Candida colonisation in the dentures with silicone soft liner in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to assess the antifungal efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate on Candida colonies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with resorbed ridges, fifteen each in the diabetic and non-diabetic group, were selected. The mandibular denture of each patient was lined with heat-polymerised silicone resilient liner. Patients were instructed to clean the dentures with soap water and brush. Samples from the fitting surface of mandibular dentures were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days. Subsequently, samples were collected at 15, 21 and 30 days, after cleaning the dentures with a detergent solution of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, and incubated for the evaluation of Candida growth. These data were subjected to statistical analysis by Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Normal oral flora in diabetics and non-diabetics showed no difference (p > 0.05). The density of colonies increased after 21 and 30 days in diabetic patients (p < 0.05). Number of Candida colonies significantly reduced in both the groups after 21 and 30 days of cleaning the dentures with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dentures with silicone resilient liner exhibit increased Candida growth in diabetic patients. Four per cent chlorhexidine gluconate solution effectively disinfects these dentures.