Colonization of Candida Species and Efficacies of Miconazole Gel in Overdenture Wearers

Preliminarily to examine the efficacy of miconazole gel at inhibiting colonization of Candida species in overdenture wearers.The subjects were 26 overdenture wearers. Miconazole gel was used with the following directions: group A was prescribed miconazole gel 1.5 g 4 times daily for 1 week, group B was prescribed miconazole gel 0.5 g 4 times daily for 1 week. As a screening test, Candida species were examined in denture plaque, dental plaque, and pharyngeal mucosa. The number of Candida species, total bacteria, and oral streptococci were counted before and after application of miconazole gel to Candida-positive subjects.Candida species were detected in 18 of 26 subjects and high incidence was found around the abutments under the denture base. All Candida species were sensitive to miconazole gel. Miconazole gel was applied to 13 subjects. The number of Candida was reduced after 1-week use of miconazole gel with few side effects during the application.It is suggested that miconazole gel will be an effective and safe method for oral care and denture plaque control in overdenture wearers.