Efficacy of denture microwave disinfection in treating denture stomatitis

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of denture microwave disinfection compared with that of topical antifungal medication in the treatment of denture stomatitis (DS). It was also aimed to identify the most effective frequency of microwave disinfection to reduce DS. Methods: A total of 30 edentulous patients with DS were instructed to scrub their maxillary dentures with coconut soap and water four times a day and soak it in water overnight. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. In control group (CG), patients received topical antifungal medication (Nystatin oral suspension 100,000 UI/mL) 4x/daily for 14-days. In test groups 1 (TG1) and 2 (TG2), patients had their maxillary denture immersed in water and microwaved (650W/3min) 1x/week and 3x/week, respectively, for 14-days. Standardized photographs of all palates were taken before and after treatment. The mucosal characteristics were evaluated by three independent observers who were engaged to blind-analyse all standard photographs and instructed to classify DS in types I, II and III, according to the criteria proposed by Newton: Type I DS showed localized inflammation or pinpoint hyperemia, Type II showed generalized erythema and Type III showed papillary hyperplasia of the palate. Inter-examiner reliability showed high agreement (Kappa=0.94) after calibration. The comparison of mucosa characteristics before and after treatment was determined by Wilcoxon test (P<.05). Results:

Frequency of distribution (%) of Newton's classes of DS before and after treatment

	Before treatment				After treatment
Group	Without DS	Type I	Type II	Type III	Without DS	Type I	Type II	Type III
CG	0	10	70	20	30	10	40	20
TG1	0	30	50	20	60	30	0	10
TG2	0	0	80	20	60	0	40	0

Conclusion: Regardless the frequency of disinfection, microwaving dentures was more effective than topical nystatin medication in reducing clinical signs of DS. Grant: FAPESP 05/03211-6 and 05/04695-7