TITLE:
Oral Candida albicans Colonization in Completely Edentulous Individuals before and after Complete Denture Rehabilitation
AUTHORS:
Hassan El Alaoui El Abidi, Fatima Zahra Ghazzar, Nadia Zaim, Samira Bellemkhannate
KEYWORDS:
Candida Albicans, Completely Edentulous Patients, Acrylic Resins, Colonization, Denture-Related Stomatitis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
5,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans in a population of Moroccan completely edentulous patients before and after prosthetic rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: Sixteen completely edentulous patients who consulted the CCTD in Casablanca for prosthetic rehabilitation. Samples were collected using sterile swabs prior to denture insertion from saliva, the maxillary mucosa, and the mandibular mucosa. Samples were collected at 2 and 4 months after prosthesis placement from saliva, the maxillary mucosa, the mandibular mucosa, the maxillary prosthesis, and the mandibular prosthesis. These samples were cultured in Petri dishes using Sabouraud medium. Colony isolates were identified using the Api Candida gallery. Results: Identification confirmed the presence of Candida albicans in the samples collected. The prevalence of Candida albicans was higher at T2 (4 months after denture insertion) than at T0 (before denture insertion) at all sampling sites. Conclusion: The prevalence of Candida albicans is significantly higher among edentulous individuals who wear dentures than among edentulous individuals who do not wear dentures. The combination of factors such as denture wear and reduced salivary flow contributes to the creation of a microenvironment conducive to the growth of Candida albicans. These results underscore the crucial importance of maintaining rigorous oral and denture hygiene to minimize fungal colonization and associated complications. Regular dental care and patient education on proper cleaning techniques are essential for reducing the risk of Candida albicans-related infections.