Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate denture plaque microflora of geriatric inpatients and maxillary defect patients from the standpoint of infection control in the elderly.
Methods: Denture plaque was collected from 80 elderly subjects who were categorized into 3 groups: group A, 21 healthy complete denture wearers; group B, 49 complete denture wearers residing at a geriatric hospital; and group C, 10 complete denture wearers with maxillary defects. The microflora was investigated by counting the total number of microorganisms, including streptococci, staphylococci, and Candida spp.
Results: The colony-forming unit (CFUs) count and incidence, particularly those of Candida spp., were significantly higher in group B (P<0.01). The CFUs of staphylococci were significantly higher in group C (P<0.01), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was observed in all Staphylococcus-positive patients. The CFUs of Candida spp. were significantly correlated to those of staphylococci (P<0.01).
Conclusion: A high CFU count of Candida spp. and staphylococci (including MRSA) are characteristic of the microflora in geriatric inpatients and maxillary defect patients, respectively. This study supports the hypothesis that dentures might serve as potential reservoirs of organisms causing systemic infections.