Abstract

Background: Saliva has many essential functions in the maintenance of oral health. Salivary components interact with the oral microbial communities and hence control the composition of the oral Microflora.

Objectives: To examine the carriage of Streptococcus and Candida species in the oral cavity of complete denture wearers and non-denture wearers. To assess the pH of saliva.

Materials and Methods: 30 completely edentulous patients (15 complete denture wearers, 15 non-denture wearers) aged between 45-80 years were included in the study. Saliva samples were collected and was inoculated into Mutanssanguis agar and Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and incubated at 370C for 24 hours. The number of colony forming units (CFU) were identified and counted. The pH of saliva was examined using pH strips. (Qualigens)

Results: No significant differences were detected in the proportion of Streptococcus species and the incidence rate of Candida species in patients with (20%) and without (6.7%) complete denture were comparable. The mean value of saliva pH was 6.93 and 7.1 in complete denture wearers and non-denture wearers respectively.

Conclusion: The most dominant microorganisim was Candida species. No significant differences observed in the prevalence of Streptococcus species in the oral cavity of patients with and without complete denture. There was a decrease in saliva pH of complete denture wearers.

Key words: Streptococcus, Candida, Complete denture, Saliva