Minimal inhibitory concentration of antimicrobial and antifungal agents in denture adhesive material against Candida albicans

Approximately 26% of the U.S. population between the ages of 65 and 74 years do not have any teeth. In patients wearing complete dentures, several post-treatment complications may arise, including denture associated fungal and bacterial infections. These types of fungal infections are associated with pain and may impede normal oral function. In this study the activity of 11 (antimicrobial and/or antifungal) agents in a dental adhesive carrier against two strains of fungi (C. albicans) was assessed. In conventional assays, C. albicans were resistant to histatin 5 and lactoferricin B, yet very susceptible to SMAP28; susceptible to sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and phytosphingosine; and susceptible to anti-fungal agents amphotericin B, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, fluconazole, and nystatin. However, in 1% dental adhesive C. albicans were resistant to histatin 5, lactoferricin B, SMAP28, sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and phytosphingosine suggesting that the components in denture adhesive may inactivate local innate immune factors in the oral cavity possibly predisposing users to fungal infections in relation to their dentures. In the assays in 1% dental adhesive C. albicans were susceptible to amphotericin B, chlorhexidine, dihydrochloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, fluconazole, and nystatin strongly suggesting that these anti-fungal agents could be candidates for inclusion in denture adhesive formulations, and also be used as a prescribed topical treatment in individuals with fungal infections of the oral mucosa.