Comparison of denture microwave disinfection and conventional antifungal therapy in the treatment of denture stomatitis: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of denture microwave disinfection and antifungal therapy on treatment of denture stomatitis. STUDY DESIGN Sixty denture wearers with denture stomatitis (3 groups; n = 20 each), were treated with nystatin or denture microwave disinfection (1 or 3 times/wk) for 14 days. Mycologic samples from palates and dentures were quantified and identified with the use of Chromagar, and clinical photographs of palates were taken. Microbiologic and clinical data were analyzed with the use of a series of statistical tests (α = .05). RESULTS Both treatments similarly reduced clinical signs of denture stomatitis and growth on palates and dentures at days 14 and 30 (P > .05). At sequential appointments, the predominant species (P < .01) isolated was C. albicans (range 98%-53%), followed by C. glabrata (range 22%-12%) and C. tropicalis (range 25%-7%). CONCLUSIONS Microwave disinfection, at once per week for 2 treatments, was as effective as topical antifungal therapy for treating denture stomatitis.