Fungal contamination of dental appliances: A cross- sectional study

Orthodontic treatment makes necessary to use a longtime fixed-band appliance, it offers suitable conditions for fungal growth, dentures also allow fungal contamination on their surfaces. The aim of our study is the identification of the fungal species colonizing surfaces of dental appliances, the cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 patients wearing dental appliances, during 5 months, and sterile swabs were used and inoculated into Sabouraud’s dextrose agar tubes. Yeast identification has been based on germ tube test, chlamydoconidia production and biochimical tests (Auxacolor, Api 20 C). The overall prevalence of fungal contamination of dental orthodontic appliance was 35%. The prevalence rate was 40% among patients who had dental appliances for 1 to 2 months, and 45,5% fort patients brushing their teeth at least twice daily, but no statistical relation with mycosis was found. Pain, burning and discomfort were correlated to fungal carriage p=0,038; OR=4,867 IC 95% (1.09-21.74). The fungal species most recovered were Candida parapsilosis 21.47%, Candida Zeylanoides 21.47%, Candida albicans 17.38%, and Cryptococcus terreus 13.04%. Mycological monitoring of dental prosthesis is crucial to prevent possible fungal’s adverse health effects.