Background: Denture stomatitis (DS) is an inflammatory disorder that affects the mucosal surface underneath the dentures and frequently causes oral mucosal irritation, discomfort, and altered taste perception, which prevents people from consuming enough nutrients. One of the main causes of DS is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans (C. albicans). A possible alternative treatment for Candida infections is thought to be laser therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate how different wavelengths of laser would affect growth and pathogenic properties of Candida albicans. Methods: A concentration of 10⁶ viable cells/ml of Candida albicans were used in the preparation process. Four groups were created from the specimens. Culturing of the control group was completed with no intervention. The other 3 groups received laser radiation for 60 seconds at a power of 1W. The 2^nd and 3^rd groups were irradiated with diode laser at a wavelength of 940 nm and 980 nm respectively. The 4th group was irradiated with Nd-YAG laser at a wavelength of 1064 nm. Turbidimetric growth was defined as variations in the optical density of fungal growth. These measures were made at three different times: baseline, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Results: In both groups of diode laser, the growth of Candida albicans showed no remarkable differences at baseline, after 48 and 72 hours using a power of 1 W and duration of 60 seconds. The Nd-YAG group showed significant increase in optical density after 48 hrs then significant decrease after 72 hrs. The optical density values in the control group showed no notable difference between the control and diode study groups at different time periods. However, the Nd:YAG group showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control and the 2 diode laser groups. Conclusions: Different laser parameters have a different effect on growth and pathogenic properties of Candida albicans. Diode laser therapy with wavelengths 940 and 980 nm used in continuous mode with power of 1 W for duration of 60 seconds can result in proliferation of Candida albicans instead of destroying them. Nd:YAG laser, used in pulsed mode, with power of 1 W for a duration of 60 seconds can be used to destroy Candida albicans and therefore, can be used as an effective treatment for denture stomatitis.

Denture base materials can be highly sensitive to the effects of daily beverage consumption, manifesting in alterations to their surface texture or color. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of different beverages (Pepsi, coffee and tea) on the surface roughness (Ra) and color stability of 3 types of denture base materials. A total of 120 specimens (n = 10/group) were fabricated from 3 different denture base materials, namely heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (HP), thermoformed polyamide (PA) and acetal (AC). The surface roughness and color stability of the specimens were evaluated 3 times: before immersion in beverages; after 30 days of immersion; and after 90 days of immersion in artificial saliva (a control group) and Pepsi, coffee and tea (test groups). The data analysis was performed using twoway analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the results of Ra and color change (ΔE) between denture base resins and beverages. The differences between the materials, beverages and time were significant for Ra values, as well as the interaction between materials and beverages, and between beverages and time. The findings indicated significant differences in ΔE between denture base materials. In comparison to PA and AC, HP exhibited lower ΔE values. A significant change in color was observed over time for all of the tested materials. The tested beverages increased Ra and caused change in the color stability for all materials. The observed color change was correlated with the duration of the immersion, and was more evident in thermoformed resins.

This study evaluated the efficacy of Acacia Arabica and aloe vera solutions versus commercial effervescent tablets on Candida viability and adhesion to various denture bases with different materials and manufacturing techniques. A total of 96 square-shaped denture base specimens (24 per group) were fabricated from heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoformed polyamide (FlexiUltra), milled computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM; Avadent), and 3D-printed (FormLabs) resins. Specimens were allocated into a control group (distilled water) and three experimental groups (n = 6 per group) based on the immersion solutions: Gum acacia (GA), aloe vera, and alkaline peroxide denture cleansers. One specimen from each material subgroup was prepared for qualitative assessment. All specimens were incubated with Candida albicans for 48 hours and immersed in the designated disinfectant solution for 8 hours. Anti-C. albicans biofilm activity was assessed quantitatively using an MTT assay and qualitatively using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for mean comparison, and data were considered significant at p < 0.05. The reduction in mean Candida viability was greatest in the alkaline peroxide tablets across all denture base materials, followed by GA and aloe vera (p < 0.001). GA demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in Candida levels in the thermoplastic polyamide (p < 0.001). The mean viability of Candida in both alkaline peroxide tablets and GA was statistically similar in digital denture bases (p > 0.05). The antifungal efficacy of alkaline peroxide denture cleansers was determined to be the highest. The cost-effective GA may serve as a viable denture disinfectant, particularly for thermoformed polyamide denture bases.

Background The pandemic-induced physical closure of educational institutions led to challenges for senior dental students that might affect their psychological status. This study aimed to assess stress, anxiety, and subjective worries among dental interns post-COVID-19. Methodology A self-structured questionnaire was sent to Alexandria University and Taibah University dental interns. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, self-reported comorbidities, behavioral risk factors, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) scale, and future subjective worries regarding the dental profession post-COVID-19. Results A total of 129 interns participated, with the majority (79.1%) being females. Overall, 90.7% were unmarried, 80.6% lived with a family, 93.8% were free from systemic comorbidities, 82.17% were satisfied with their current life, and 63.6% felt positive quite often. K-10 distress levels were reported as very high (38%) and high (33.3%), and perceived satisfaction with current social life was significantly associated with moderate-to-high distress levels. Feeling positive about life quite often was significantly associated with very high distress levels. Mild GAD-7 anxiety levels were reported in 40.3% and were significantly associated with females, who perceived positive satisfaction with their current social life and felt positive about life. Most agreed that their profession would be risky, their ability to perform their job to the best would be jeopardized, and they would need extra precautions in clinical training post-COVID-19; however, they disagree with postponing their training until COVID-19 cases declined entirely. Conclusions Dental interns were affected by the lockdown, especially female interns. Psychological therapy is advised for stressed dental students.