Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Introduction: Colonization of candida on denture soft liners is the utmost significant causative factor in development of denture stomatitis. Objectives: This in vitro study is done to evaluate the efficacy of tea tree oil against candida albicans when incorporated into denture soft liners. Materials and Methods: Each 24 specimen disks were prepared and divided into 2 groups (test with tree oil and control) with 12 samples in each. Test group was mixed with tea tree oil (TTO) into soft liners (St) and control group without tea tree oil (S) were prepared. These disks were mixed with candida albicans suspension for valuation of fungal growth and were rinsed with sterile water to eliminate loosely attached superficial organisms. The attached yeasts were calculated by inoculating them on saboraud’s agar. Treated and control disks were stored in distilled water for 1, 30, 60 days and washed daily with wet cotton. Data between treated and control disks were compared using t-test. Results: The mean colony forming units (CFU) per mm2 for specimens without tea tree oil after water storage and wash with wet cotton for 1, 30 and 60 days was 6.8 × 106, 6.2 × 106, 6.7 × 106, respectively and for specimens with tea tree oil CFU decreased significantly to 1.8 × 106, 2.6 × 106, 32.9 × 106 after 1, 30 and 60 days. Treated disks were effective in controlling the growth of C.albicans for two months following water storage. Conclusion: Mixture of tea tree oil to denture soft liner expressively reduces growth of C.albicans signifying an effective antifungal management for denture stomatitis. Keywords: Candida albicans, Colony forming units, Inoculum, soft liner