Background: Traditionally, alcohol sprays are used for disinfection of acrylic-base denture surfaces. A limited number of studies have assessed the role of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in this regard; however, it remains debatable whether conventional alcohol sprays are superior to aPDT in terms of antifungal activity or vis versa.
Objective: The aim of the present in vitro study is to compare the antifungal activity of conventional alcohol sprays and aPDT on acrylic denture resin.
Methods: Individuals wearing complete dentures at least on one arch were included. Dentures were randomly divided into three groups. Groups 1-3 were disinfected with an alcohol-based antiseptic spray and aPDT, respectively. Assessment of oral yeast growth was done using swab samples. The culture mediums were incubated at 37∘C for 72 hours and viewed through a microscope. The numbers of colony forming units (CFU/ml) were determined. P< 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: At baseline, the mean CFU/ml in Groups 1-3 were comparable. After disinfection, a statistically significant reduction in microbial CFU/ml was observed in Groups 1 (P< 0.05) and 2 (P< 0.05) compared with baseline. In Group 3, there was no difference in CFU/ml throughout the study. After disinfection, there was no difference in microbial CFU/ml in dentures in Groups 1 and 2.
Conclusion: Conventional alcohol sprays are as effective as aPDT towards reducing oral yeasts CFU/ml on acrylic denture resin.
Keywords: Alcohol spray; antifungal; antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; denture; edentulous.