Denture surface

The denture surface, primarily constructed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or other acrylic resins, serves as a non-biological substrate within the oral cavity that is highly susceptible to microbial colonization [1, 5, 14]. While not a biological molecule or therapeutic target in the traditional sense, it acts as a critical reservoir for pathogenic biofilms, particularly those involving Candida albicans, which is the leading cause of denture stomatitis [10, 11, 16]. The physical and chemical properties of the surface, such as roughness, hydrophobicity, and porosity, directly influence the ability of microbes to adhere and form resilient communities that are difficult to eradicate with standard hygiene alone [8, 14, 15]. Pharmacological strategies associated with the denture surface include the use of topical antifungal agents, chemical disinfectants, and the engineering of antimicrobial delivery systems directly into the denture base material [2, 3, 10]. Modern approaches focus on surface modifications, such as silica-based coatings or the incorporation of nanoparticles, to create anti-adhesive or biocidal properties [10, 13]. Understanding the interaction between the denture surface, the oral microbiome, and therapeutic agents is essential for managing chronic oral infections and preventing systemic complications like aspiration pneumonia [6, 12, 14].

Other names

Denture baseProsthetic surfaceIntaglio surfacePolymethyl methacrylate surfacePMMA surfaceAcrylic resin surface

Antimicrobial agents and surface modifications aim to inhibit microbial adhesion, disrupt established biofilms, and provide controlled release of therapeutic compounds from the material substrate.