Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Agents Incorporated into Soft Denture Liners: A Systematic Review

Integrating soft components into denture design may significantly enhance the comfort of edentulous patients. Microorganisms, particularly Candida albicans, often colonize soft denture lining materials, which can release metabolic and toxic byproducts linked to the development of Denture-Induced Stomatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents incorporated into soft denture liners in inhibiting the adhesion and colonization of C. albicans. A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE-Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A range of keywords was employed without applying a time filter to identify relevant literature. The review revealed many studies investigating various antimicrobial compounds added to different soft denture liner materials, all demonstrating the ability to inhibit the proliferation of C. albicans. All the antimicrobial agents examined exhibited a significant antifungal effect, with minimal to negligible impact on the physical properties of the denture liners. However, it was noted that the mechanical properties of the liners were modified in direct correlation to the concentration of the antimicrobial agents utilized. The successful incorporation of these agents into various soft denture liners has been documented, with nystatin being the primary pharmacological agent identified across multiple studies. While incorporating antibacterial agents was deemed successful, it is essential to note that the methodologies employed yielded varying effects on the overall performance of the soft-liner materials.