C andida albicans adhesion on reinforced polymethylmethacrylate denture resin: effect of fibre architecture and exposure to saliva

Background and objectives Fiber‐reinforced composites ( FRC ) are used to reinforce the prosthetic and restorative appliances. This may result in the exposure of the FRC s which may affect the adherence of microorganisms. This study evaluated the adhesion of Candida albicans to a denture base resin ( N  = 48), reinforced with E ‐glass FRC s with different architectures [unidirectional ( n  = 16) and woven ( n  = 16)], when exposed to either saliva or distilled water. Materials and methods Specimens without FRC reinforcement served as control ( n  = 16). After fiber surfaces were exposed, half of the specimens ( n  = 8/per group) were treated with saliva, the other half was stored in distilled water prior to C . albicans adhesion. The adhered microorganisms were counted under an optical microscope and the data were analyzed. Results When exposed to distilled water or saliva, specimens with unidirectional (5403.4 cells/cm 2 and 5013.4 cells/cm 2 , respectively) ( p  = 0.202), woven fibers (4053.5 cells/cm 2 and 3726.6 cells/cm 2 , respectively) ( p  = 0.283) and specimens without fibers (2250 cells/cm 2 and 2006.8 cells/cm 2 , respectively) ( p  = 0.423) showed C . albicans adhesion, being not significant. In general, all the specimens exposed to saliva showed 3582.2 cells/cm 2 C . albicans adhesion, while specimens exposed to distilled water showed 3902 cells/cm 2 C . albicans adhesion, yet being not significant ( p  = 0.436). Regarding fiber type, C . albicans adhesion was significantly affected by the exposed FRC architecture with more favorable results for woven fibers ( p  < 0.001). Conclusion Polymethylmethacrylate without FRC s collected less C . albicans . The presence of saliva seems to reduce the adhesion.