## 1 Introduction  
Denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is an inflammatory reaction of the oral mucosa under different dental appliances [1]. Previous studies have revealed a 50% prevalence of DRS under removable dental prosthesis [2]. Among various etiological factors related to DRS, _fungi_ are most often implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease [3]. Among _fungi_, Candida albicans (_C. albicans_) is considered the most common oral microbiota found in humans [4]. It presents all the properties of opportunistic pathogen, however, indicating that it can cause any pathologic infection when it finds the favorable environment. An infection caused by a _Candida_ species can arise due to any local factors, such as poor hygiene, rough denture surface, and systemic conditions including diabetes mellitus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and an immunocompromised state [5].  
Moreover, the microorganisms present on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture surface may transmit an infection from patients to the dental and laboratory staff [6]. A study by [PERSON] et al. revealed that around 67% of the dentures sent to the dental laboratories from dental clinics have different types of opportunistic organisms on the surface [7]. Therefore, in order to reduce the incidence of DRS infections, denture disinfection is necessary. Various chemical agents are used for disinfection of PMMA dentures, including sodium perborate, sodium hypochlorite, glutaraldehyde and chlorine dioxide, 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, polymeric nanomaterials, and alkaline peroxide [8; 9]. However, soaking dentures in chemical disinfectants may cause damage on the acrylic resin denture surface, alteration of material properties, and cytotoxicity [10; 11]. Among several disinfectants used, chemical disinfecting agents in the form of denture cleaning tablets (containing sodium perborate) have gained widespread acceptance and are commonly used by denture patients [8]. Sodium-perborate decomposes into an alkaline peroxide solution, forming hydrogen peroxide, sodium metaborate, and oxygen in the presence of water [12]. The resulting peroxide releases oxygen bubbles, which help in mechanical and chemical cleaning [12; 13]. In addition, the oxygen free radicals produced can cause effective antimicrobial activity through cell wall destruction [14]. However, sodium perborate was reported to show cytotoxic effects on human cells, including fibroblasts [15].  
In order to overcome such disadvantages, alternatives for disinfecting PMMA denture bases have been researched. Among recent techniques, microwave oven sterilization has shown potential due to its antimicrobial efficacy and low cost [16]. It was also suggested that _fungi_ and bacteria do not develop resistance against it. The literature has revealed that microwave sterilization for PMMA dentures is as potent as sodium hypochlorite alone [17; 18]. While the mechanism of action for microwave irradiation is not yet clear, [PERSON] et al. revealed in their study that microwave irradiation causes thermal alterations on bacterial and fungal cells' membrane permeability, thus causing cell death [19]. However, data related to its effectiveness as an antifungal denture disinfectant have not yet been determined and require further research.  
According to the available indexed literature, microwave irradiation was used to disinfect PMMA dentures at higher watts, along with increased exposure times [20]. However, high temperature and exposure time negatively impacted the properties of the resin denture bases. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of sodium perborate (denture cleaning tablet-DC), microwave irradiation, and their combination for eradicating candida albicans (_C. albicans_) from a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base polymer.