This study examined the influence of bacteria on the virulence and pathogenicity of candidal biofilms. Mature biofilms (Candida albicans-only, bacteria-only, C. albicans with bacteria) were generated on acrylic and either analysed directly, or used to infect a reconstituted human oral epithelium (RHOE). Analyses included Candida hyphae enumeration and assessment of Candida virulence gene expression. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and Candida tissue invasion following biofilm infection of the RHOE were also measured. Candida hyphae were more prevalent (p < 0.05) in acrylic biofilms also containing bacteria, with genes encoding secreted aspartyl-proteinases (SAP4/SAP6) and hyphal-wall protein (HWP1) up-regulated (p < 0.05). Candida adhesin genes (ALS3/EPA1), SAP6 and HWP1 were up-regulated in mixed-species biofilm infections of RHOE. Multi-species infections exhibited higher hyphal proportions (p < 0.05), up-regulation of IL-18, higher LDH activity and tissue invasion. As the presence of bacteria in acrylic biofilms promoted Candida virulence, consideration should be given to the bacterial component when managing denture biofilm associated candidoses.

The self-reinforcement of acrylic resin with butadiene styrene surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres has been reported to have the potential to substantially improve the transverse bend strength of conventional heat-cured acrylic resin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of butadiene styrene surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres in cross-ply arrangement to high impact acrylic resin on the transverse and impact strength. Specimens were prepared as specified in the International Standard Organization and British Standards for the Testing of Denture Base Resins (ISO 1567, 1988; BS 2487, 1989) and the British Standard Specification for Orthodontic resins (BS 6747, 1987) for transverse bend and impact testing. The impact strength was measured using a Zwick pendulum impact tester and the transverse bend strength measured using a Lloyds Instruments testing machine. The results showed that the impact strength was not improved with the addition of fibres, high impact acrylic resin with fibres (LF) 11.1 kJ m-2 and high impact acrylic resin (L) (12.5 kJ m-2). The modulus of rupture was decreased with the addition of fibres (57.8 MPa) for (LF) compared with (60.4 MPa) for (L). The modulus of elasticity was also reduced with the addition of fibres (1834.9 MPa) (LF) and 2086.2 MPa (L) as was the peak load (LF) (50.8 N) and (L) (55.8 N). It was concluded that the addition of surface treated poly(methyl methacrylate) fibres in cross-ply arrangement to high strength acrylic resin did not produce an improvement in the impact or transverse strength and cannot be recommended as a method of reinforcement.

The audit criterion and standard set were not achieved. A lack of knowledge surrounding denture hygiene was demonstrated among participants. As a part of the audit process the health education of RPD wearers' hygiene needs to be improved and awareness levels of the whole dental team needs to be raised. All partial dentures should receive information and regular reinforcement of key dental hygiene messages.

Dentures are an excellent treatment modality for partial and edentate patients; however, improper denture care and hygiene can result in both decreased longevity of the prosthesis and increased risk of developing dental caries, periodontal disease and oral candidosis. Previously, it has been shown that patients and dental professionals are unaware of the different materials and methods available for optimum denture care and hygiene. This article provides an overview of the key legislation and main commercially available methods for denture cleanliness and hygiene, and serves as a basis for providing tailored denture hygiene for denture wearers.

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