Evaluation of Presence of Candida in Complete Denture Wearer in Tissue and Denture Surfaces Using Smear Method

Background: Candidiasis is the most frequent fungal infection of the human oral cavity. Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal microorganism and normal flora of the oral cavity. While different Candida species can cause infection, 85% of all oral cavity fungal infections are caused by Candida albicans; other types can cause infection less frequently. Aim: This study aims to determine Candida count as an index of fungal contamination in dentures. The results would determine the level of patients’ oral hygiene and can be useful in infection control programs which consequently would assist in the prevention of opportunistic fungal infections, particularly, in elderly people. Methods: In this experimental study, 100 patients with complete denture randomly selected from the city of Ardabil. Before completing the study questionnaires, consent of patient taken by orally and the necessary demographic data were collected to all patients. Samples were collected two times with two-month interval. The samples were stained with Giemsa using the direct smear method and were studied under light microscope. Data were analyzed by statistical methods such as table and graph and Chi-Square test using SPSS.16 software. Results: Out of 100 studied individuals, 53 had Candida (with different frequency), which was directly associated with cigarette smoking (duration of usage and the number of cigarettes used), and also the oral hygiene maintenance. Conclusion: Oral hygiene maintenance, patient’s training, ceasing the smoking habit and controlling systematic diseases can decrease the amount of Candida in the oral cavity