In vivo biofilm formation on a soft denture liner in elderly patients with controlled diabetes

Objectives: This in vivo study evaluated the influence of controlled diabetes on biofilm formation on a soft denture liner in elderly patients. Background: Soft denture lining materials are more susceptible to microbial colonisation than denture base acrylic resins. Especially in the elderly, several predisposing factors may accumulate leading to an increased probability of biofilm development that may result in candidiasis, a significant clinical oral disease. Materials and methods: Volunteers wearing complete dentures were divided into two groups (n = 20): diabetic patients with controlled glycaemia, and healthy patients. In both groups, a silicone-based soft liner was placed in a recess created at the base of the maxillary dentures. Subjects cleaned the prosthesis three times a day. Biofilm formed on the liner was quantified at various time points (baseline, two, four and six weeks). Data were analysed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results: There was no statistical difference in biofilm formation for any of the time points between controlled diabetes patients and healthy patients. Conclusion: The results suggest that the control of diabetes in elderly patients provides the same levels of biofilm formation when compared to healthy individuals.