RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify in vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil mixed with different tissue conditioners on the Candida albicans strain. STUDY DESIGN: Microbiological tests were used to isolate Candida albicans from patients with denture stomatitis. The in vitro antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia against Candida albicans was determined when it was applied directly and when it was mixed with tissue conditioners (Fitt, Lynal, Coe-Comfort). The responses of 27 denture stomatitis patients treated with Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), Nystatin mixed with Coe-Comfort (n = 9), and Coe-Comfort (Control Group, n = 9), were evaluated over a period of 12 days. RESULTS: In the in vitro study, Coe-Comfort or Fitt conditioners mixed with 1 mL, 20% (vol/vol) of Melaleuca alternifolia oil exhibited a total inhibition of Candida albicans. Patients treated with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort showed a significant decrease in palatal inflammation compared with those treated with Coe Comfort (P = .001). In addition, a significant inhibition of C. albicans growth was observed with M. alternifolia mixed with Coe-Comfort compared with only Coe-Comfort (P = .000004). CONCLUSION: M. alternifolia oil mixed with Coe-Comfort tissue conditioner is effective in treating denture stomatitis.