Effect of antimicrobial mouthrinses on the in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans to human buccal epithelial cells

Adhesion to epithelial cells is a critical step in successful oral colonization and infection by Candida albicans. Therefore, three mouthrinse products, containing chlorhexidine 0.2% (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05% (CPC) or triclosan 0.045% (TRN), were compared for their effects on the in vitro adhesion of C. albicans to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC). Candidal adhesion appeared to be significantly reduced by oral rinsing with the CHX-containing mouthrinse (P0.01). These findings suggest that mouthrinses containing CHX or CPC could be of value in the control of candidal colonization and infection. Clinical trials are warranted on the effectiveness of these products in reducing oral Candida carriage.