"Nature cures:" An alternative herbal formulation as a denture cleanser

Area of Science:

• Oral Microbiology
• Prosthodontics
• Mycology

Background:

• Candida albicans commonly inhabits the oral cavity, particularly in the elderly.
• Increased incidence of Candida albicans is observed in patients using removable dental prostheses.
• Cost-effective and accessible denture cleansers with anticandidal efficacy are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the antifungal properties of Triphala churna on heat-cure denture base material.
• Assess the antifungal effect of chlorhexidine gluconate on heat-cure denture base material.
• Compare the antifungal efficacy of Triphala churna and chlorhexidine gluconate against a control group.

Main Methods:

• Sixty denture wearers were recruited from a prosthodontics outpatient department.
• Denture swabs were collected before and after application of Triphala and chlorhexidine.
• Candida counts were determined by culturing swabs on Sabouraud dextrose agar.

Main Results:

• Triphala churna exhibited significant anticandidal properties on denture base material.
• Chlorhexidine gluconate also demonstrated antifungal effects.
• Comparative analysis indicated Triphala's greater efficacy over chlorhexidine.

Conclusions:

• Triphala shows greater antifungal efficacy than conventional chlorhexidine mouthwash for denture hygiene.
• Triphala is a promising natural alternative for denture cleansers.
• Further research into Triphala's application in oral prosthetics is warranted.