Abstract
This investigation dealt with objectively estimating the effect of treating denture stomatitis with a denturewash solution containing enzyme to remove Candida. Two patients were selected for this study, one classified as type II denture stomatitis having Newton's types, and the other being type III. A denturewash solution containing enzyme to remove Candida from the denture surface was prescribed to the patients. Candida obtained from the denture plaque ofthe patients with denture stomatitis were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours and its colonies were counted and totaled. The capillaries of the palatal mucosa beneath the denture base were investigated under an oral biomicroscope, and the morphological changes were analyzed with the aid of an image analysis system.
The results were as follows;
1. C. albicans was isolated numerously in each patients with denture stomatitis. The capillary density increased due to dilatation and elongation of the capillary loops.
2. As the number of Candida colonies decreased with the use of an enzyme solution, the capillary density also decreased due to contraction and simplification of the capillary loops.
3. Even if C. albicans were not isolated, the capillaries showed wavy, crossing, branching, and inter communication patterns. So, long term observation seemed necessary in order to heal denture stomatitis.
4. Oral biornicroscopy made it possible to examine the palatal mucosa having denture stomatitis.
