Development of antibacterial denture cleaner for brushing containing tea tree and lemongrass essential oils

We evaluated effectiveness of tea tree oil (TO) and lemongrass oil (LO) for removal of Candida biofilm from denture base resin and their influence on that surface. Biofilm of C. albicans was formed on resins, and immersed in various concentrations of each oil and distilled water (DW). The biofilm removal effect was determined by incubating specimens in RPMI medium containing Alamar blue (AB) and measuring absorbance. Wear test was also conducted, and surface condition of resins was determined using laser scanning microscope and digital microscope. Specimens immersed in the TO and LO solutions tended to have a lower AB value at higher concentrations and longer soaking times. Use of these agents resulted in less surface roughness as compared to DW. Our results suggest that TO and LO were valid to remove biofilm attached to resin with lower levels of abrasion, and these are effective for use in denture cleaner.