The effect of NitrAdine on the Candida levels of maxillary removable appliances

Objective: Candida colonization is a consequence of orthodontic treatment and can lead to oral candidosis as a complication of maxillary removable appliance treatment. During orthodontic treatment, it is important to minimize colonization to prevent active infection that could consequently interfere with treatment. Hygiene is the most important factor in managing colonization; in this study, the efficacy of NitrAdine to reduce Candida was tested. Method and Materials: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Ninety-two patients 11 to 14 years of age were recruited at the Children's and the University Dental Clinics at Mater Dei Hospital, Tal-Qroqq, Msida, Malta. Forty-four patients used the product with NitrAdine, while 48 patients used a placebo. Sampling employing the imprint technique was performed before and after the product was used. Brilliance Candida agar was used for cultures and identification. Further identification was performed using Auxacolor 2 when required. Results: The control group had a statistically significant increase in Candida during treatment, while the experimental group had a nonstatistically significant decrease. Conclusion: It was concluded that NitrAdine may reduce the Candida burden in maxillary removable appliances. Larger sample sizes are needed to achieve statistical significance. Keywords: Candida, maxillary removable orthodontic appliances, oral candidosis, oral hygiene