In Vitro Evaluation of Plant Antimicrobials Against Candida albicans Biofilm on Denture Base Materials: A Comparison with Chemical Denture Cleansers

Denture hygiene is crucial for preventing oral infections, with <i>Candida albicans</i> being a common fungal pathogen that can colonize denture surfaces. This in vitro study evaluated the adherence of <i>C. albicans</i> on two denture base materials-polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-and assessed the antifungal efficacy of various chemical and natural cleansers. A total of 100 polished specimens were inoculated with <i>C. albicans</i> and treated with chemical agents (Listerine at 2%, 20%, 50%; Corega^®, Block Drug Company, Jersey City, NJ, USA); Protefix^®, Queisser Pharma, Flensburg, Germany and natural products (15% apple vinegar, 2% tea tree oil, 2% peppermint oil) for different durations (5, 15, 30, 480 min). Chlorhexidine (2%) and untreated samples served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Corega^® and 15% vinegar eliminated <i>C. albicans</i> within 5 min on both materials. 50% Listerine was effective after 5 min on PMMA but required 480 min on polyamide. Protefix^® showed full efficacy in 5 min on PMMA and 30 min on polyamide. Tea tree oil required 30-480 min for activity, while peppermint oil showed minimal effect throughout. Under the tested conditions, Corega^® appeared most effective. Natural cleansers, particularly vinegar and tea tree oil, also showed considerable anticandidal potential, suggesting they may serve as alternative agents for denture hygiene applications.