Oral infections occur due to contact between biofilm rich in Candida albicans formed on the inner surface of complete dentures and the mucosa. This study investigated historical advances in the prevention and treatment of oral mucosal infection and identified gaps in the literature. Bibliographic research was conducted, looking at PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, where 935 articles were found. After removing duplicates and excluding articles by reading the title and abstract, 131 articles were selected for full reading and 104 articles were included. Another 38 articles were added from the gray literature. This review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The historical period described ranges from 1969 to 2023, in which, during the 21st century, in vitro and in vivo studies became more common and, from 2010 to 2023, the number of randomized controlled trials increased. Among the various approaches tested are the incorporation of antimicrobial products into prosthetic materials, the improvement of oral and denture hygiene protocols, the development of synthetic and natural products for the chemical control of microorganisms, and intervention with local or systemic antimicrobial agents. Studies report good results with brushing combined with sodium hypochlorite, and new disinfectant solutions and products incorporated into prosthetic materials are promising.

Background: Denture-related stomatitis (DS) is chronic multifactorial inflammation, strongly related to the presence of the biofilm that is the complex structure formed by microorganisms held together by a mucus-like matrix of carbohydrate that adheres to different surfaces, including the denture surface. DS has recently been correlated with deleterious cardiovascular alterations. The potential effect of hygiene protocols in the control of DS and randomized clinical trials that address this oral condition with cardiovascular complications are important in clinical decision-making. Material/design: A clinical trial, randomized, double-blind, and with parallel groups, will be conducted in Brazil The sample will consist of 100 patients without teeth in both arches, users of at least maxillary complete dentures, and diagnosed with DS, who will be allocated to groups (n = 25 per group) according to the different hygiene protocols: (1) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prosthesis in 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution (positive control); (2) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prosthesis in 0.15% triclosan solution; (3) brushing of the palate and immersion of the prosthesis in lactose monohydrate; or (4) brushing the palate with citric acid and immersing the prosthesis in lactose monohydrate. The response variables will be heart rate variability and alteration of blood pressure (systemic level), remission of DS, removal of biofilm, reduction of microbial load (colony-forming units (CFU)), mouth and prosthesis odor level, expression of MUC1, proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), viscosity, pH and salivary flow (locally); patient-centred qualitative analysis will also be undertaken. Measurements will be performed at baseline and 10 days after the interventions. The results obtained will be statistically analyzed as pertinent, with a level of significance of 0.05. Discussion: This study will provide a guideline for clinical practice regarding the use of hygiene protocols in the treatment of oral diseases (DS) mediated by biofilm. Also, it may provide evidence of correlation of oral manifestation with cardiac risk. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-4hhwjb. Registered on 9 November 2018.

The extent of separation between the maxillary and mandibular teeth in the fabrication of interocclusal splints designed to achieve efficiency and muscle relaxation is controversial and undefined in the literature. Based on this premise, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of interocclusal splint thicknesses of 3 and 6 millimeters on the electrical activity of the anterior temporal and masseter muscles during rest and dental clenching. Twenty asymptomatic individuals (10 males and 10 females) were selected using the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC). Electromyography (EMG) was performed both with and without the 3- and 6-mm splints using the Bio EMG software package, which recorded values given in microvolts (µV). The results, which were assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to a 5% significance level (p < 0.05), showed increased electrical activity of the masticatory muscles during dental clenching compared with at rest, with greater activity in the masseter muscle. The electrical activity did not differ according to the thickness of the splints or between males and females. We can conclude that both splint thicknesses are effective in treating muscle hyperactivity given their similar clinical behavior for asymptomatic individuals.

Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is frequent oral inflammation in complete denture wearers. This study evaluated the effect of a hygiene protocol on DRS remission, local inflammatory factors, and hemodynamic responses. Thirty-three individuals were enrolled in the study. The outcomes were measured before and after 10 days of a hygiene protocol treatment consisting of brushing the palate with a soft brush and water and denture brushing with a denture-specific brush and mild soap, as well as immersion of the denture for 20 min in a 0.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. Data were analyzed by paired Wilcoxon for biofilm removal and CFU count of microorganisms. The paired T test was used to assess salivary MUC 1, cytokines, and arterial pressure (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found in the DRS degree (p < 0.001), biofilm (p < 0.001), microbial load of Candida spp. (p < 0.001), Gram-negative (p < 0.004), Staphylococcus spp. (p < 0.001), and S. mutans (p < 0.001) of the denture, and S. mutans (p < 0.001) of the palate after use of the protocol. The salivary flow (p = 0.2) and pH (p = 0.97) did not change; there was an increase of MUC 1 (p = 0.049) and a decrease in IL-6 (p = 0.038), IL-2 (p = 0.04), IL-10 (p = 0.041), and IFNγ (p = 0.04). There was also a decrease in systolic (p = 0.012) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.02). The current hygiene protocol reduced the inflammation degree of DRS and promoted an improvement of local inflammatory factors and a reduction in the systolic arterial pressure of the patients.

To assess the effect of hygiene protocols and time on the physical–mechanical properties and colony-forming units (CFU) of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans on 3D-printed denture resins (SmartPrint and Yller) with extrinsic pigmentation compared to conventional resin (CR). The protocols were evaluated: brushing (B), brushing and immersion in water (W), 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (SH), and 0.15% triclosan (T), simulating 0, 1, 3, and 5 years. The data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measurements, ANOVA (Three-way) and Tukey’s post-test, generalized linear model with Bonferroni adjustment, and ANOVA (Two-way) and Tukey’s post-test (α = 0.05). The protocols influenced color (p = 0.036) and Knoop hardness (p < 0.001). Surface roughness was influenced by protocols/resin (p < 0.001) and time/resin (p = 0.001), and flexural strength by time/protocols (p = 0.014). C. albicans showed interactions with all factors (p = 0.033). Staphylococcus aureus was affected by protocols (p < 0.001). Streptococcus mutans exhibited no count for SH and T (p < 0.001). Yller resin showed more color changes. The 3D-printed resins displayed lower microhardness, increased roughness, and decreased flexural strength compared to CR with all protocols in a simulated period of 5 years. The indication of printed resins should be restricted to less than 3 years.