Presence of Candida spp. in patients who wear dentures

Introduction : The continued use of dentures and inadequate hygiene may lead to the development of denture stomatitis, a frequent disease in patients who wear dentures and very much associated with Candida spp. Objective : To determine the social characteristics and the care of the individuals with the hygiene of their dentures, as well as the presence of Candida species in patients who wear dentures from a community of Cabedelo Municipality, Paraíba, Brazil. Methods : This is a pilot, cross-sectional, observational and laboratory study with the evaluation of 14 volunteers. Research forms were used and the collection, isolation and identification of the biological material were carried out. Results : The participants had low income and schooling. The daily hygiene of the prostheses, brushing with dentifrice, the non-removal of the prosthesis for sleeping and their use for more than six years were verified in most of the sample. Conclusions : A high presence of Candida spp. in the patients who wear dentures was shown, while C. albicans was the most prevalent species.