Efficacy of 5% Nanochitosan Paste in the Treatment of Oral Candidosis

Antifungal Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles Paste Against Oral Candidosis

This study is designed to survey the therapeutic effect of a low molecular weight 5% nanochitosan paste against oral candidosis (denture stomatitis) and compare its efficacy with a standard Nystatin ointment.

Denture stomatitis, also called chronic atrophic candidosis, is a common chronic disease in people who use full dentures, primarily caused by Candida albicans. This randomized single-blind clinical trial evaluates the antifungal effect of nanochitosan particles prepared by the ionic gelation method in a 5% paste formulation. Thirty patients using full dentures and suffering from type 2 denture stomatitis are randomly divided into two groups of fifteen. One group receives the 5% nanochitosan paste and the other receives Nystatin ointment. Both groups apply their respective medications to the palatal areas four times a day for two weeks. Patients are instructed to remove their dentures during application. Clinical and microbiological assessments are performed before treatment and after two weeks to evaluate changes in erythematous plaque surface area, palatal cell culture colony counts, and burning sensation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients using full dentures.
• Suffering from type 2 denture stomatitis.
• Diagnosis and infection confirmed by an oral medicine specialist.
• Signed written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of using antifungal drugs, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and saliva-reducing drugs in the previous month.
• Patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• Patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Patients with masticatory muscle disorders.
• Patients with an immune suppressive situation.
• Patients with psychological diseases.