Evaluation of the Candida albicans removal and mechanical properties of denture acrylics cleaned by a low-cost powered toothbrush.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of using a low-cost powered toothbrush for cleaning on dental prostheses made of heat polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA.
Methods: Heat cured PMMA specimens beam with the dimensions of 45.0 mm×6.5 mm×4.5mm were fabricated. The specimens were kept in water storage at 37 °C constant temperature for 0, 1, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days and randomly assigned for testing or control. Test specimens underwent brushing by using a powered toothbrush at an applied force of 2.00 N for 22 min with water as medium. Surface roughness measurement (Ra), flexural strength and efficacy of brushing to remove coated Candida albicans biofilm were investigated.
Results: The results of the mean surface roughness value and the flexural strength were analysed by using two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at 5% significance level. In general, the specimens showed no significant changes in flexural strength after brushing. However, the flexural strength and the surface roughness value were significantly lower in specimens group after 7 days in water storage compared to the control. SEM micrographs of post-brushed specimens revealed satisfactory removal of C. albicans biofilm.
Conclusion: A low-cost powered toothbrush together with a liquid medium successfully removed C. albicans biofilm on dental acrylic PMMA-based prostheses, without compromising the mechanical properties.
(Copyright © 2014 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)