Denture stomatitis

What is false teeth? stomatitis?

Denture-Induced Stomatitis Is Common inflammatory denture-related reaction usually involving Candida species (yeast). Less common forms of denture stomatitis may be due to problems trauma or an allergic contact reaction.

Stomatitis means mouth pain.

Who gets stomatitis from dentures?

Denture-related stomatitis is very common, with more than 50% of denture wearers affected in some populations. It is the most clinically important condition that develops in the mouth of denture wearers.

Factors that predispose for the development of denture stomatitis include:

• Complete upper (maxillary) denture, probably due to large contact area between denture and oral mucous membrane
• Acrylic dentures: Candida species appear to have a particular binding affinity for acrylic resin
• Poor dental hygiene: Candida species and lactobacillus bacteria stick to denture surfaces and must be removed chemically and/or mechanically at least daily
• Ill-fitting dentures: mechanical trauma damages the mucosa, making it more prone to infection
• Dentures – Old dentures are commonly associated with denture stomatitis probably due to poor fit and rough surface where Candida can hide
• Continuous use of dentures: not removing them at night increases the risk
• Men: are twice as likely to develop denture stomatitis than women
• Diabetes mellitus: Diabetics are more likely to develop yeast infections
• Dry mouth (xerostomia): Saliva normally helps rinse the mouth and clean the denture surface

The elderly are the population most likely to wear dentures and are at particular risk for poor dental hygiene due to limited financial resources, poor vision, limited manual. skill and lack of information. Poverty also influences the ability to visit a dentist regularly and replace ill-fitting dentures.

Clinical characteristics of denture stomatitis.

Denture stomatitis does not usually cause any symptoms. But on exam, the lining of the mouth in contact with the denture will be red and swollen, sometimes with small red dots (petechial hemorrhages)

How is denture stomatitis diagnosed?

Denture stomatitis is a clinical diagnosis based on the pattern of redness and swelling that follows the shape of the denture contact area.

Microbiological swabs of the palate and/or denture surface will confirm the presence of yeasts: C. albicans is the most common, followed by C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and others.

Examination of the dentures may reveal some of the predisposing factors mentioned above.

Treatment of denture stomatitis

The most important treatment is the removal of dentures at night and a thorough cleaning of the dentures.

Dentures should be removed and cleaned at least once a day. Cleaning options include:

Chemical cleaning

• soaking in sodium perborate, sodium hypochlorite (6 percent bleach diluted by mixing 10 parts water to 1 part bleach), chlorhexidine digluconate, weak acids
• Dive into enzymes how proteases and mutanases
• The overnight vinegar soak at 10% is an inexpensive but not ideal option. One study reported reduced yeast counts and clinical improvement, although not complete resolution

mechanical cleaning

• brush with neutral soap or toothpaste
• ultrasonic cleaning

For established denture stomatitis, current antifungal applications on the fitting surface of dentures and oral mucosa, eg ketoconazole 2% in Orabase. oral miconazole gel it should be avoided in patients taking warfarin as there have been reports of drug interactions.

Oral antifungal tablets should be avoided if possible as side effects are more common than with topical applications.

Mouthwashes, such as hexetidine, have also been shown to be helpful with few side effects.

A dental exam should be performed to assess the condition and fit of the denture. The denture may need to be relined, relined, or replaced.

Prevention is best and regular dental checkups will note the adequacy of hygiene and denture fit.