Influence of the use of a denture adhesive on salivary cells and candidal activity: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Statement of problem: Complete denture movement is inevitable and leads to mechanical irritation. Additional retention such as with adhesives can reduce mechanical irritation by reducing the denture movement but may be a chemical irritant. Whether these irritations can have an adverse effect on the salivary cells and oral infections is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of complete denture retention, with or without a denture adhesive, on salivary cellular changes and Candida albicans activity Material and methods: Forty healthy, nonanemic, completely edentulous, male and female participants, between 40 and 60 years old were enrolled and randomly allocated into 2 equal groups. In one group, participants received conventional complete dentures without an adhesive. In the other group, participants received conventional complete dentures with an adhesive (Corega Super; GlaxoSmithKline). Saliva samples were collected in sterile containers for both groups before denture insertion, 1 month after insertion, and 3 months after insertion. Exfoliated squamous cells were examined regarding nuclear size (nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio), chromatin distribution, regularity of nuclear membrane, prominent nucleolus, nuclear bi- or multinucleation, and Candida albicans count. Results: After 1 month and after 3 months in the group without an adhesive, no change was seen in the histological composition. However, in the group with an adhesive at 1 month after insertion, superficial and intermediate squamous cells were seen, with occasional reactive nuclear changes, showing enlarged nuclei and moderate inflammation polymorph nuclear leukocytes (PNLs). At 3 months after insertion, superficial and intermediate squamous cells were seen, with remarkable reactive nuclear changes, showing enlarged nuclei, binucleation, prominent nucleoli, and marked inflammation (PNLs). Conclusions: Provision of a complete denture did not alter the salivary cells; however, the use of a denture adhesive can lead to inflammatory responses of the salivary cells. © 2025 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry