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

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.

Oral candidiasis-adhesion of non-albicans Candida species

Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused primarily by Candida albicans. However, in recent years, species of non-albicans Candida have been implicated more frequently in mucosal infection. Candida species usually reside as commensal organisms and are part of normal oral microflora. Determining exactly how transformation from commensal to pathogen takes place and how it can be prevented is continuous challenge for clinical doctors. Candidal adherence to mucosal surfaces is considered as a critical initial step in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis. Acrylic dentures, acting as reservoirs, play an important role in increasing the risk from Candida colonisation. Thus, this review discusses what is currently known about the adhesion of non-albicans Candida species of oral origin to buccal epithelial cells and denture acrylics.