ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the recognition of salty, sweet, and citrus tastes in complete denture wearers. Methods: the study included toothless individuals (experimental group) who had been using, for at least 3 months and at the most 5 years, acrylic resin removable bimaxillary complete dentures in good condition and with adequate maxillo-mandibular relationship. The same assessment was performed in the control group, which had 26 toothed individuals. Volunteers had no difficulties ingesting any type of food. Salty, sweet, and citrus tastes were assessed with filter paper strips soaked in such solutions and placed on the tongue dorsum. Assessments were performed in duplicate and in random order. Results: the percentage rate of errors was similar between the control (9.6±13.5%) and experimental groups (10.5±15.5%) (p=0.80). There was no difference in the frequency of correct perception of tastes between denture wearers and toothed individuals. Conclusion: individuals who wore acrylic resin removable bimaxillary complete dentures perceived salty, sweet, and citrus tastes like toothed individuals did.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o reconhecimento dos sabores salgado, doce e cítrico em usuários de prótese dentária total. Métodos: foram incluídos indivíduos desdentados (grupo experimental) usuários de prótese total removível bimaxilar confeccionada em resina acrílica, com tempo mínimo de uso de três meses e máximo de cinco anos, em bom estado de conservação e com adequada relação maxilo-mandibular. Como grupo controle, a mesma avaliação foi realizada em 26 indivíduos dentados. Os voluntários não tinham dificuldade na ingestão de nenhum tipo de alimento. Os sabores salgado, doce e cítrico foram testados com fitas de papel filtro embebidas nas soluções e colocadas na parte dorsal da língua. As avaliações foram realizadas em duplicata e em ordem ao acaso. Resultados: a taxa percentual de erros foi igual entre os grupos controle (9,6±13,5%) e experimental (10,5±15,5%) (p=0,80). Não houve diferenças na frequência de percepção correta dos sabores entre indivíduos usuários de prótese e indivíduos dentados. Conclusão: usuários de prótese total removível bimaxilar confeccionada em resina acrílica têm a mesma percepção dos sabores salgado, doce e cítrico que indivíduos dentados.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a eficácia de soluções higienizadoras na remoção do biofilme de dentadura por meio de ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado. Trinta e dois pacientes desdentados foram instruídos a escovar suas dentaduras (escova específica e sabão líquido) três vezes ao dia (após café da manhã, almoço e jantar) e imergi-las (≥ 8 horas) em: (C) controle - água; (PA): peróxido alcalino; ou (HS) hipoclorito de sódio a 0,5%. Cada solução foi usada por 21 dias (três ciclos alternados de 7 dias). Ao final de cada ciclo, a superfície interna da dentadura maxilar foi evidenciada (vermelho neutro 1%) e fotografada (HX1- Sony). As áreas (total e corada com biofilme) foram medidas (software Image Tool), e a porcentagem de biofilme calculada como a relação entre a área do biofilme multiplicado por 100 e área da superfície total da base interna da dentadura. Os dados foram comparados por meio de equações de estimação generalizadas (α=5%) e comparações múltiplas (Bonferroni - α=1,67%). A imersão em HS reduziu o biofilme (%) (8,3 ± 13,3B) em comparação com C (18,2 ± 14,9A) e PA (18,2 ± 16,6A). A solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,5% foi a mais eficaz na remoção do biofilme. Peróxidos alcalinos podem não levar a maior remoção do biofilme em pacientes com hábitos adequados de manutenção de dentadura.

Abstract This study evaluated the efficacy of cleanser solutions on denture biofilm removal by a crossover randomized clinical trial. Thirty two edentulous patients were instructed to brush their dentures (specific brush and liquid soap) three times a day (after breakfast, lunch and dinner) and to soak them (≥ 8 h) in: (C) control -water; (AP): alkaline peroxide; or (SH) 0.5% sodium hypochlorite. Each solution was used for 21 days (three cycles of 7 days). At the end of each cycle, the inner surfaces of maxillary dentures were disclosed (1% neutral red) and photographed (HX1 - Sony). Areas (total and stained biofilm) were measured (Image Tool software) and the percentage of biofilm calculated as the ratio between the area of the biofilm multiplied by 100 and total surface area of the internal base of the denture. Data were compared by means of generalized estimating equation (α=5%) and multiple comparisons (Bonferroni; α=1.67%). Immersion in SH reduced biofilm (%) (8.3 ± 13.3B) compared to C (18.2 ± 14.9A) and AP (18.2 ± 16.6A). The 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution was the most efficacious for biofilm removal. Alkaline peroxides may not lead to further biofilm removal in patients with adequate denture maintenance habits.

ABSTRACT To preserve oral health and to maintain the prosthetic devices, it is important not only to improve the properties of commonly known hygiene products, but also to investigate new materials with antimicrobial action. Objectives This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of sodium hypochlorite (0.25% and 0.50%) and 10% Ricinus communis’ solutions against specific microorganisms. Material and Methods Sixty four maxillary complete denture wearers were instructed to brush their dentures three times a day and to soak them (20 min/day) in the solutions: SH1: 0.25% sodium hypochlorite; SH2: 0.5% sodium hypochlorite; RC: 10% R. communis oil; and C: 0.85% saline (control). The solutions were used for 7 days in a randomized sequence. Following each period of use, there was a 1-week washout period. Antimicrobial activity was determined by Colony Forming Units (CFU) counts of Streptococcus mutans, Candida spp., and gram-negative microorganisms. For collecting biofilm, the internal surface of maxillary dentures was brushed with saline solution, and biofilm suspension obtained. After dilutions (100 - 10-3), aliquots were seeded in Mitis salivarius, CHROMagar Candida®, and MacConkey agar for detecting S. mutans, Candida spp., or gram-negative microorganisms, respectively. After incubation, colonies were counted, and CFU/mL values were calculated. Then, transformation - log10 (CFU+1) - data were analyzed using the Friedman test (α=0.05). Results showed significant differences between the solutions (p<0.001). Results All three solutions showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. Against Candida spp., RC and SH1 solutions showed similar effect while SH2 showed superior activity. SH1 and SH2 solutions showed antimicrobial action against gram-negative microorganisms. The Candida species most frequently isolated was C. albicans, followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Conclusions The 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution was the most effective and might be used to control denture biofilm. C. albicans was the most frequently isolated Candida sp.

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the sorption, solubility and color change in two lining materials after 120 days of immersion in either sodium perborate or artificial saliva. Methods: Thirty disk-shaped specimens (15×3 mm) of each material, Mucopren(r) soft (MS) and Elite(r) soft (ES) were manufactured and divided into two groups. The specimens in the control group (CG, n=15) were stored in artificial saliva at 37 °C. The specimens in the experimental group (EG, n=15) were stored in artificial saliva at 37 °C and immersed in sodium perborate daily for 5 min. The analysis of sorption and solubility was based on the initial dry weight and on the wet and dry weights after immersion. The color was assessed with a portable spectrophotometer and the NBS system. ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05) were used to analyze color and sorption. The solubility was analyzed by KruskalWallis test (p<0.05). Results: Sorption was higher in the EG group (0.31±0.08) than in the control group (0.26±0.05), and higher in Elite(r) soft relining (0.34±0.07) than in Mucopren(r) soft (0.23±0.06). There was no interaction between the factors. Elite(r) Soft presented a higher solubility when immersed in artificial saliva (CG: 0.16±0.07 and EG: 0.13±0.06; p=0.00). Mucopren(r) soft showed no solubility in either treatment. Regarding the color changes, there was a significant difference between the groups (CG: 9.2±1.2 and EG: 9.9±1.2; p=0.025) but not between the materials (Mucopren(r) soft: 9.4±1.3 and Elite(r)soft: 9.7±1.0; p=0.34). Using the NBS system, we verified that both materials presented a high color change. Conclusions: The daily use of sodium perborate promoted changes in the liners' sorption and color. Elite(r) soft relining was more prone to changes than Mucopren(r) soft.

The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of sodium hypochlorite (0.25% and 0.50%) and 10% castor oil solutions against specific microorganisms, by counting Colony Forming Units (CFU) of clinically important bacteria and Candida species. Acrylic resin specimens (n = 320; Lucitone 550) were obtained from square metal matrices (10 x 10 x 2 mm), sterilized by microwave (650W, for 6 minutes) and contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalisand Candida glabrata. The specimens were immersed for 20 minutes in one of the following hygiene solutions (n = 10/each): A – 0.25% Sodium hypochlorite; B – 0.5% Sodium hypochlorite; C – 10% Castor oil solution; and D (Control) – saline. Adhered cells were suspended and inoculated into a selective solid medium (37ºC for 24 h). The Student’s t-test (α = 0.05) was performed to compare log10(CFU+1)/mL between Groups C and D. The results showed that sodium hypochlorite (0.25% and 0.5%) completely eliminated all detectable microorganisms. The castor oil solution eliminatedB. subtilisand reduced counts for other strains. Differences between C and D were significant (p < 0.05) for all species except for E. faecalis. Both sodium hypochlorite solutions (0.25% and 0.5%) were effective in eliminating all microorganisms evaluated, and may be useful as cleaning solutions for complete dentures. The castor oil solution provided moderate efficacy and performed differently on the tested species, with the strongest effect on B. subtilis and with non-significant action on E. faecalis.

The adhesion of biofilm on dental prostheses is a prerequisite for the occurrence of oral diseases. Objective: To assess the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical properties of an acrylic resin embedded with nanostructured silver vanadate (β-AgVO3). Material and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of β-AgVO3 was studied in relation to the species Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The halo zone of inhibition method was performed in triplicate to determine the inhibitory effect of the modified self-curing acrylic resin Dencor Lay - Clássico®. The surface hardness and compressive strength were examined. The specimens were prepared according to the percentage of β-AgVO3 (0%-control, 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%), with a sample size of 9x2 mm for surface hardness and antimicrobial activity tests, and 8x4 mm for the compression test. The values of the microbiologic analysis were compared and evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05); the mechanical analysis used the Shapiro-Wilk's tests, Levene's test, ANOVA (one-way), and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: The addition of 10% β-AgVO3 promoted antimicrobial activity against all strains. The antimicrobial effect was observed at a minimum concentration of 1% for P. aeruginosa, 2.5% for S. aureus, 5% for C. albicans, and 10% for S. mutans. Surface hardness and compressive strength increased significantly with the addition of 0.5% β-AgVO3 (p<0.05). Higher rates of the nanomaterial did not alter the mechanical properties of the resin in comparison with the control group (p>0.05). Conclusions: The incorporation of β-AgVO3 has the potential to promote antimicrobial activity in the acrylic resin. At reduced rates, it improves the mechanical properties, and, at higher rates, it does not promote changes in the control.

This study evaluated the effect of cleanser solutions on the color of heat-polymerized acrylic resin (HPAR) and on the brightness of dental alloys with 180 immersion trials. Disk-shaped specimens were made with I) commercially pure titanium, II) nickel-chromium-molybdenum-titanium, III) nickel-chromium molybdenum, and IV) nickel-chromium-molybdenum beryllium. Each cast disk was invested in the flasks, incorporating the metal disk into the HPAR. The specimens (n = 5) were then immersed in solutions containing: 0.05% sodium hypochlorite, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, 0.500 mg cetylpyridinium chloride, a citric acid tablet, one of two different sodium perborate/enzyme tablets, and water. The color measurements (∆E) of the HPAR were determined by a colorimeter in accordance with the National Bureau of Standards. The surface brightness of the metal was visually examined for the presence of tarnish. The results (ANOVA; Tukey test-α = 0.05) show that there was a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001) but not among the solutions (p = 0.273). The highest mean was obtained for group III (5.06), followed by group II (2.14). The lowest averages were obtained for groups I (1.33) and IV (1.35). The color changes in groups I, II and IV were slight but noticeable, and the color change was considerable for group III. The visual analysis showed that 0.05% sodium hypochlorite caused metallic brightness changes in groups II and IV. It can be concluded that the agents had the same effect on the color of the resin and that the metallic alloys are not resistant to the action of 0.05% sodium hypochlorite.

Este estudo avaliou a dureza Knoop, rugosidade e alteração de cor de dentes artificiais após imersão em água, hipoclorito de sódio 1% e solução de Ricinus communis 2% (RC). Trinta espécimes de dentes das marcas Vipi, Biolux e Trilux foram analisados. Os testes de dureza, rugosidade e alteração de cor foram realizados após a obtenção dos espécimes (T0) e após dois protocolos de imersão nas soluções por 15 dias (Δ15) e 183 dias (Δ183). A variação dos dados (ΔT) foi submetida à ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Em ΔT15, Vipi apresentou aumento da dureza e Biolux, a maior variação (p =0,01). RC causou o maior aumento na dureza (p=0). RC causou o menor aumento na rugosidade (p=0,005). Biolux apresentou a menor alteração de cor (p=0). Em ΔT183, Trilux apresentou a maior variação na dureza. (p=0). Biolux apresentou aumento na rugosidade (p=0). Não houve diferença significante na alteração de cor entre dentes (p=0,06) e entre soluções (p=0,08) após 183 dias de imersão. Todas as soluções (água destilada, hipoclorito de sódio 1% e RC) causaram alterações nas propriedades analisadas. Ambos os protocolos de imersão causaram alterações nas propriedades analisadas.

This study evaluated Knoop hardness, surface roughness and color alteration of artificial teeth for dentures after immersion in water, 1% sodium hypochlorite and an experimental solution of 2% Ricinus communis (RC). Thirty specimens of Vipi, Biolux and Trilux were analyzed. Tests of Knoop hardness, surface roughness and color alteration were conducted immediately after specimen preparation (T0) and after two immersion protocols for 15 days (ΔT15) and 183 days (ΔT183). Data variation (ΔT) were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05). At ΔT15, Vipi presented hardness increase and Biolux presented the highest variation (p=0.01). RC caused the highest increase in hardness (p=0) and the lowest increase (p=0.005) in roughness. Biolux presented the lowest color alteration (p =0). At ΔT183, Trilux underwent the highest hardness variation (p=0). Biolux presented an increase in roughness (p=0). There was no significant differences in color alteration among the artificial teeth (p=0.06) and among solutions (p=0.08) after 183 days of immersion. All solutions (distilled water, 1% sodium hypochlorite and 2% RC) caused alterations on the analyzed properties. Both immersion protocols caused alterations on the analyzed properties.

This study evaluated heat-polymerized (HPR) and microwave-polymerized acrylic resins (MPR), after immersion in water, 1% hypochlorite and Ricinus communis solution (RC). Knoop hardness, color alteration, roughness and flexural strength tests were performed after obtaining the specimens and after time intervals of 15 (T15) and 183 (T183) days. Variations in data (Δ) were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (P = 0.05). For ΔT15 HPR there was greater variation in hardness when immersed in water (P = 0.00) and for MPR, after immersion in RC (P = 0.00). RC caused the greatest variation in roughness (P = 0.015). Color alteration was not significant (P = 24.46). Hypochlorite caused a decrease in flexural strength (P = 0.37). After ΔT183, hypochlorite and RC caused a decrease in HPR hardness value (P = 0.00). MPR showed the greatest variation in roughness (P = 0.01). HPR presented the most color alteration after immersion in RC (P = 0.214). Hypochlorite and RC caused the lowest flexural strength values for MPR (P = 0.89). RC caused alterations in resin properties, and was not shown to be superior to hypochlorite.

Foi realizada uma pesquisa na Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto - Universidade de São Paulo, por meio da aplicação de questionário, para avaliar os métodos de higiene e hábitos referentes ao uso de prótese total, idade das próteses, e se os pacientes têm sido instruídos em como limpar suas próteses. A idade média dos pacientes estudados foi 63,35 anos, a maioria (82,08%) do sexo feminino. Os resultados mostraram que 62,26% dos entrevistados usavam a mesma prótese total superior há mais de 5 anos, e 49,06% a mesma prótese total inferior. Dos pacientes entrevistados, 58,49% dormiam com as próteses. O método mais utilizado pelos pacientes foi o método mecânico de escovação (100% dos pacientes), utilizando água, pasta e escova de dente (84,91%). A maioria dos pacientes (51,89%) relatou nunca ter sido orientado pelos dentistas de como higienizar as próteses. Baseado nas limitações deste estudo, concluiu-se que os pacientes entrevistados tinham conhecimento limitado sobre higiene protética e cuidados bucais. O método de higiene mais utilizado foi a escovação da prótese, a maioria dos pacientes usavam a mesma prótese total há mais de cinco anos e dormiam com as próteses.

In this study, a questionnaire was applied to patients from Ribeirão Preto Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil, to evaluate the hygiene methods and habits concerning the use of complete dentures, the age of dentures, and whether patients have been instructed on how to clean their dentures. The mean age of patients was 63.35 years, and most of them were females (82.08%). The results showed that 62.26% of the respondents had been using the same maxillary complete denture for more than 5 years, and 49.06% used the same mandible complete denture for more than 5 years. Of the patients interviewed, 58.49% slept with the dentures. Mechanical brushing was the most used cleaning method by the patients (100%), using water, dentifrice and toothbrush (84.91%). Most patients (51.89%) reported never having been instructed by their dentists as to how to clean their dentures. Based on the limitations of this study, it was concluded that the patients interviewed had limited knowledge about prosthetic hygiene and oral care. The method more used by patients was the mechanical method of brushing, most patients used the same complete dentures for more than 5 years and slept with the dentures.

Este trabalho avaliou três escovas e um evidenciador de biofilme na higiene de próteses totais. Vinte e sete usuários de próteses totais superiores foram distribuídos em três grupos que receberam diferentes escovas: Oral B40 para dentes naturais (Oral B); Denture para dentadura (Condor) e Johnson & Johnson para dentadura (Johnson & Johnson). O período experimental de 60 dias foi dividido em 2 Técnicas: I - utilização das escovas associadas a um dentifrício (Dentu-Creme, Dentco) três vezes ao dia; II - escovação e aplicação diária do evidenciador Vermelho neutro a 1% na superfície interna da prótese total. A quantificação do biofilme foi realizada semanalmente e as áreas com biofilme corado foram medidas com o auxílio do software Image Tool 2.02. A remoção do biofilme foi mais efetiva durante a Técnica II (teste de Wilcoxon: p=0.01) nos três grupos. Comparando as escovas, na Técnica I o teste de Kruskal Wallis indicou diferença significante (p=0.05) entre Denture X Johnson & Johnson e Denture X OralB 40, sendo a Denture a mais eficaz. Na Técnica II, as escovas não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). A aplicação do evidenciador promoveu maior eficácia na remoção do biofilme, independentemente da escova utilizada. Na comparação das escovas na Técnica I, a escova Denture foi a mais eficiente.

OBJECTIVE: This report evaluated the efficacy of three brushes and one biofilm disclosing agent in complete denture cleansing. METHODS: Twenty-seven wearers of maxillary dentures were distributed into three groups and received different brushes: Oral B40, conventional toothbrush (Oral B); Denture, denture-specific brush (Condor); Johnson & Johnson, denture-specific brush (Johnson & Johnson). The 60-day experimental period was divided into two techniques: I - brushing (brush associated with a paste - Dentu Creme, Dentco) three times a day; II - brushing and daily application of 1% neutral red on the denture internal surface. Biofilm quantification was carried out weekly and the areas with dye biofilm were obtained by means of Image Tool 2.02 software. RESULTS: Biofilm removal was more effective during Technique II (Wilcoxon test: p=0.01) for the three groups of brushes. When the brushes were compared in Technique I, the Kruskal Wallis test indicated statistical difference between Denture X Johnson & Johnson and Denture X Oral B40, in which the Denture was more efficient. For Technique II, there was no statistical difference between brushes (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The disclosed application promoted more efficacy on biofilm removal, regardless of the brush used. Denture (Condor) was more efficient than the other brushes during Technique I.

Este trabalho descreve o uso de um cabo funcional removível em resina acrílica que pode ser facilmente adaptado a moldeiras individuais para fornecer um bom registro da zona de selamento periférico. Este dispositivo pode ser indicado para moldagem final em prótese total utilizando a técnica de movimentação muscular realizada pelo paciente. Em moldeiras superiores, o cabo é fixado na linha mediana com resina acrílica, enquanto nas inferiores, a parte central do cabo é desmontável permitindo sua remoção antes da moldagem dos bordos laterais. O cabo removível é passível de sucção pelo paciente e permite que a língua seja movimentada livremente. A moldagem final é realizada em duas fases: moldagem da zona de selado periférico (godiva de baixa fusão) e da superfície de suporte (pasta de óxido de zinco e eugenol). Todos os registros musculares da zona de selado periférico são obtidos por meio de movimentação muscular realizada pelo paciente (sucção do cabo e movimentação lingual). O cabo funcional é reutilizável, permite um bom registro da zona de selado periférico (bordas teciduais) e pode ser adaptado a moldeiras individuais de resina acrílica devido à sua facilidade e simplicidade de uso.

This report describes the use of a removable acrylic resin tray handle that can be easily attached to custom impression trays to produce an improved peripheral sealing zone. This device can be indicated to develop functional impressions for complete dentures using the patient-conducted muscular motion technique. In upper trays, the handle is fixed in the midline with acrylic resin, while in lower trays the centrally positioned handle is removed before border molding. This removable handle allows patient's suction and free tongue movements. Final impression is carried out in two stages: peripheral sealing (low fusion compound) and recording of the main supporting region of the denture (zinc oxide and eugenol paste). All border records are obtained from the patient's own movements (handle suction and tongue motion). The removable handle is simple to use, is reusable, can be adapted to any individual acrylic resin trays and allows accurate registration of the peripheral sealing zone (border tissues).

Este estudo comparou a aplicação e a confiabilidade de quatro métodos de quantificação de biofilme (computadorizado, pesagem de papel, contagem de pontos e planimétrico) em próteses totais, verificando a correlação entre eles. As superfícies internas de 62 próteses totais foram coradas (eritrosina a 5%) e fotografadas. Os diapositivos foram projetados em papel, e as áreas (total e com biofilme corado) foram contornadas com grafite. Estas áreas foram medidas com uma grade de pontos eqüidistantes (método de contagem de pontos), um planímetro digital (método planimétrico) e, para o método de pesagem de papel, foram recortadas e pesadas em balança de precisão. No método computadorizado, foram medidas com um software (ImageTool). Com o objetivo de realizar um teste de validação dos quatro métodos, estes foram aplicados também em diapositivos de figuras geométricas de dimensões conhecidas. Os testes de correlação mostraram altos valores de correlação (r = 0,82 a 0,99) entre os métodos. O teste de validação (ANOVA) não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante entre as medidas reais dos desenhos geométricos e aquelas obtidas pelos quatro métodos quantitativos. Os métodos quantitativos mostraram-se eficazes e confiáveis na mensuração dos níveis de biofilme em próteses totais, podendo ser úteis em estudos experimentais da eficiência de produtos de higiene. O método computadorizado mostrou-se rápido e de fácil aplicação.

This study compared the application and reliability of 4 methods for biofilm quantification (computerized, paper-weighing, point-counting, and planimetric) in complete dentures, verifying the correlation between them. The internal surfaces of 62 complete dentures were stained (5% erythrosine) and photographed. The slides were projected on paper, and the areas (total and biofilm-covered) were outlined with a pencil. These areas were measured with an equidistant point grid (point-counting method), a digital planimeter (planimetric method), and for the paper weighing method they were cut and weighed with a precision scale. For the computerized method, ImageTool software was used. In order to perform a validation test of the methods, all of them were applied to slide projections of geometric figures with known dimensions. The correlation tests showed high correlation values (r = 0.82 to 0.99) among the methods. The validation test (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant differences among the values obtained from the measurement of figures using all four quantitative methods and the real dimensions of these geometric figures. Quantitative methods were efficient and reliable for measuring quantity of biofilm in complete dentures, and may be useful in experimental studies on the efficacy of hygiene products. The computerized method was fast and easy to perform.

Este trabalho avaliou a capacidade em corar, a facilidade de remoção e a ação antimicrobiana de evidenciadores de biofilme dental em prótese total. A capacidade em corar foi avaliada por método visual aplicando-se evidenciadores sobre a superfície interna da prótese total superior. Após fotografia, as próteses coradas foram escovadas (escova e dentifrício específicos para prótese total) e novamente fotografadas. Os diapositivos foram projetados em folhas de papel (aumento de 10 X); as áreas total e corada das próteses contornadas com grafite, recortadas e pesadas, para obtenção, em porcentagem, dos resultados da facilidade de remoção. A ação antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em ágar e os resultados obtidos pela medida dos aros e halos de inibição formados. A melhor capacidade em corar foi apresentada pelo azul de metileno (0,05%), eritrosina (5%), fluoresceína sódica (1%), Replak e vermelho neutro (1%). Eosina (1%), fluoresceína sódica (1%) e eritrosina (5%) apresentaram a maior facilidade de remoção. Não apresentaram ação antimicrobiana eosina (1%), eritrosina (5%), fluoresceína sódica (1%), proflavina (0,3%), Replak e vermelho neutro (1%). As soluções que apresentaram maior capacidade de corar, facilidade de remoção e ausência de ação antimicrobiana, requisitos necessários para auxiliar estudos que avaliam métodos de higiene e de orientação aos pacientes, foram eosina (1%), vermelho neutro (1%) e eritrosina (5%).

This study evaluated the disclosing ability, removal facility and antimicrobial effect of biofilm disclosing agents applied on complete dentures. Disclosing ability was evaluated by means of the visual method. The solutions were applied on the internal surface of dentures. After being photographed, the dentures were brushed with denture-specific brush and dentifrice and photographed again. The obtained slides were projected on paper (10 X amplification) and the total and stained surfaces were outlined with graphite, cut off and weighed, in order to assess removal facility. The evaluation of antimicrobial effects was carried out by means of the method of diffusion in agar, and the results were obtained by measuring the length of the halos and rings. In terms of disclosing ability, the best solutions were 0.05% methylene blue, 5% erythrosin, 1% sodic fluorescein, Replak and 1% neutral red. One percent eosin, 1% sodic fluorescein and 5% erythrosin were the most easily removed solutions. One percent eosin, 5% erythrosin, 1% sodic fluorescein, 0.3% proflavine, Replak and 1% neutral red presented no antimicrobial effect. The solutions which presented the greatest disclosing ability and removal facility as well as absence of antimicrobial effect - which are essential requirements in the assessment of hygiene methods and guidance on oral health - were 1% eosin, 1% neutral red and 5% erythrosin.