Denture stomatitis: Effects of chlorhexidine and amphotericin B on the mycotic flora

In 100 patients with denture stomatitis cultures and direct smears were used to evaluate 5 treatments, including sucking of chlorhexidine, amphotericin B or placebo tablets combined with denture soaking in 0.2% chlorhexidine or water. After 14 days of treatment the amphotericin B lozenges had brought about a significant reduction in the quantity of fungus on the oral mucosa, whereas they barely affected the large amount present on the fitting surface of the upper denture. Denture immersion in chlorhexidine significantly reduced the number of organisms both on the mucous membrane and on the denture. It therefore seems at least as important to treat the denture as the patient in denture stomatitis. Fourteen days after withdrawal of the drugs the mycotic flora was largely re-established.