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Microbial contamination in four commercially available denture adhesives
W D Gates1, M Goldschmidt, D Kramer
1School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Powder denture adhesives often contain microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. While microwave energy reduced contamination, it failed to completely sterilize 7 of 24 samples, with one brand showing higher contamination rates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Powder denture adhesives are widely used by individuals with dentures.
- Microbial contamination of these adhesives can pose health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbial contamination levels in commercial powder denture adhesives.
- To evaluate the efficacy of microwave energy as a sterilization method for these adhesives.
Main Methods:
- Four brands of powder denture adhesives were tested for bacterial and fungal contamination using brain-heart infusion (BHI) and Sabouraud's (SAB) agar.
- Samples were incubated aerobically and anaerobically at specified temperatures for two weeks.
- Adhesive containers were subjected to microwave energy (650 W) for sterilization, with retesting after exposure.
Main Results:
- All tested powder denture adhesives showed microbial contamination, including both bacteria and fungi.
- Microwave energy treatment significantly reduced microbial contamination in all samples.
- Seven out of 24 samples remained contaminated after microwave treatment, with one brand exhibiting significantly higher contamination rates (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Commercial powder denture adhesives are frequently contaminated with microorganisms.
- Microwave energy is partially effective in reducing microbial load but does not guarantee complete sterilization.
- Further investigation into effective sterilization methods for denture adhesives is warranted.