Candida colonization following orthodontic treatment 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 interfere with treatment. Hygiene is the most important factor in managing colonization. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by Dr. Stephen Decelis et al investigated the efficacy of NitrAdine to reduce Candida. The study involved 92 patients 11 to 14 years of age who 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. The study found that the control group had a statistically significant increase in Candida during treatment, while the experimental group had a nonstatistically significant decrease. The authors conclude that NitrAdine may reduce the Candida burden in maxillary removable appliances. Larger sample sizes are needed to achieve statistical significance.
(Source: Quintessence International, 2012, Volume 43, Issue 3, pages 239 to 245)
