Effectiveness of methods for removing the Candida albicans biofilm from the dental acrylic surface

Approximately half of the adult population in Europe have used some form of dental prosthesis. Much effort has been put into developing denture cleaning methods and the most recommended are brushing the prosthesis after meals and cleaning it with special liquids (sometimes prepared just before the procedure). However, these simple techniques are often omitted or insufficient due to, i.e., age-related mental or motor disabilities.

The aim of the study was to compare a range of techniques that can be performed at home and do not require patient dexterity in order to find the most efficient method of reducing the viability of the C. albicans biofilm and removing it from acrylic surfaces.

The 20 mm × 25 mm × 1 mm unpolished acrylic plates were inoculated with C. albicans and incubated for 72 h. Plates with formed biofilms were divided into 6 equal groups: a control group and 5 groups for different cleaning procedures: a dental cleaner with liquid, a dental cleaner with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), air drying, antiseptic liquid, and an ultrasonic cleaner. Biofilm viability was assessed by plating serial dilutions and counting the colonies of C. albicans on the Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium.

The study found that both MultiClean fluid and Sonic-3 ultrasonic cleaner were effective against Candida cells. MultiClean fluid showed the strongest biocidal properties, both when used with the Sonic Denture Cleaner and independently.

Cleaning acrylic surfaces with a dental cleaner followed by antiseptic liquid is more effective than using these methods separately.