Antimicrobial Efficacy of Prepared Herbal Denture Cleansers and Their Impact on Physical Properties of Denture Base Material: An Invitro Study

Abstract

Background: Microbial colonization on dentures, particularly by Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, leads to oral infections and systemic health risks. Chemical denture cleansers, commonly used for hygiene, are associated with adverse effects such as tissue irritation, allergic reactions, and the potential for antimicrobial resistance, prompting the need for more biocompatible alternatives. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of herbal denture cleansers prepared from Ocimum sanctum, Aloe barbadensis miller, Coffea arabica, Elettaria cardamomum, and Salvadora persica against common denture-colonizing microorganisms. Additionally, the impact of these cleansers on the physical properties of denture materials was assessed. Materials and Methods: Herbal methanolic extracts were prepared. Each extract was diluted to specific concentrations and tested for antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis for zone of inhibition. Denture specimens were immersed in the cleansers for six months, and physical properties including Colour change, Surface roughness, Surface hardness and Flexural strength were evaluated using standard techniques such as colorimetric system, profilometry, Vicker’s Hardness Tester, and a three-point bending test, respectively. p-value<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Ocimum sanctum and Aloe barbadensis miller demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, though less than standard drugs (Nystatin, Amoxicillin, Chlorhexidine). Ocimum sanctum showed the highest inhibition against Candida albicans (17.56 mm) and Streptococcus mutans (20.02 mm). Aloe barbadensis miller showed the highest inhibition against Porphyromonas gingivalis (22.98 mm). Minimal adverse effects on denture properties were observed, with no significant deterioration over six months. Conclusion: Herbal denture cleansers, particularly those derived from Ocimum sanctum and Aloe barbadensis miller, exhibit promising antimicrobial efficacy and are potential eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical cleansers, with minimal impact on denture properties.