Cleansing effect of the alkaline ionized water on microorganisms of the denture surface

Kim, Young Mi; Choi, Yu Sung; Cho, In Ho

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cleansing effect of recently developed alkaline ionized water, e-WASH, on microorganisms of the denture surface.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Removable partial and complete dentures were randomly assigned to the experimental group of 41 dentures, and the control group of 26. The denture was immersed in the e-WASH solution (experimental group), or tap water (control group) for 5 minutes. The plaque was collected from the denture surface before and after immersion, and smeared on the slide glass. Amount and motility of microorganisms were compared according to the morphology and strain of microorganisms, using the phase contrast microscope. Statistical analysis was accomplished with paired t-test and independent t-test at 95% confidence level (P<.05).
RESULTS
1. The amount of cocci, bacilli, filamentous, spiral/comma, and the motility of bacilli, filamentous, and spiral/comma were decreased after denture cleansing with the alkaline ionized water, e-WASH (P<.05). But in the control group, only the amount of cocci showed a significant difference (P<.05), but no difference from the others. There were no differences in other analysis. 2. In the experimental group, the amount of cocci, bacilli, filamentous, spiral/comma, and the motility of bacilli, filamentous, and spiral/comma were smaller and more inactive compared to the control group (P<.05).
CONCLUSION
These results indicated that the alkaline ionized water, e-WASH could effectively reduce the amount and motility of the experimented microorganisms on the denture surface, and that e-WASH could be recommended as an effective denture cleanser.