Effect of affordable disinfectant solutions on Candida albicans adhered to acrylic resin for dental prosthesis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of different low-cost disinfectant solutions on Candida albicans (C. albicans) adhered to acrylic resin used in dental prosthesis.Methods: Sixty acrylic resin specimens were divided into four experimental groups according to the disinfecting agent tested (2% chlorhexidine, 1% sodium hypochlorite, vinegar and 10v hydrogen peroxide) and two control groups. Fifty specimens were incubated with C. albicans and after immersed in the disinfecting solutions or saline (negative control). Specimens without contamination constituted the positive control group. After disinfection procedures, all specimens were immersed in a culture medium and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Culture media turbidity was evaluated.Results: The disinfectants 2% chlorhexidine and 1% sodium hypochlorite performed a maximal reduction of C. albicans. Vinegar showed intermediate antifungal effect and 10v hydrogen peroxide showed a lower effect.Conclusions: Among the disinfecting solutions tested in the present study, 2% chlorhexidine and 1% sodium hypochlorite are the most effective in the reduction of C. albicans adhered to acrylic resin. However, vinegar may represent a viable and low-cost alternative to prosthesis disinfection.