Denture stomatitis, as the name suggests, occurs in people who wear dentures. Inflammatory changes may develop when denture comes in contact with oral mucosa. This condition is found more in elderly individuals wearing dentures.
Denture stomatitis can occur due to multiple causes such as Candida yeast infection, maintaining poor denture and oral hygiene, bacterial infection in the mouth, constant use of denture or sleeping with dentures in the mouth, traumatic injury from denture, ill fitting dentures, allergy to material used in dentures, low immunity, certain medications etc.
People suffering from diabetes are more prone to denture stomatitis.
Signs & Symptoms Of Denture Stomatitis
Denture stomatitis is frequently asymptomatic. However, when clinical symptoms appear, it may impair the quality of daily life. When the denture is removed, there is a red swollen area under the denture.
In most cases, it is the area under the upper denture which gets affected. This may possibly be due to a larger area covered by the upper denture than the lower one. Also the upper denture requires more suction power to remain in its place. Sores may also develop on the roof of the mouth.
Once stomatitis occurs, dentures may not fit properly. Due to inflammation, patients may feel pain while removing or fitting the dentures in its place. White spots inside the mouth can be a sign of thrush or yeast infection.
Management Of Denture Induced Stomatitis
Although denture stomatitis in majority of cases is asymptomatic, it may affect the quality of life if it begins to hurt. Patient may find difficulty in eating food or in fact fitting the denture in its place due to swelling and pain. Considering all the factors, treating denture stomatitis is necessary to improve the day to day quality of life.
Three things play an important role in curing denture stomatitis. They are good oral hygiene, proper denture hygiene and medication to control and eliminate yeast infection. Denture stomatitis can prolong for many years if it remains untreated.
- If your dentures are not fitting properly, fix an appointment with the dentist as he may be the right person who can adjust, repair or give an advice to replace the dentures.
- A good oral hygiene will help prevent and help in curing denture stomatitis. Rinse your mouth after each meal. Avoid wearing denture for 24 hours. Take them out when you are sleeping.
- Denture hygiene is very important in treating denture stomatitis. Yeast infection will get cured easily if dentures are not worn at night. Rinse the dentures after meals. At night when you take out the dentures, they should be cleaned with warm water, preferably soapy water. Scrub the inner side of dentures with a soft brush. They should be soaked in solutions meant to clean dentures. Take precautions and avoid the use of bleach if any part of denture consists of metal. Soak dentures in water daily during night time. The dentist may also suggest rinsing in anti microbial solution if you are having denture stomatitis. Use dentures as less as possible while treating stomatitis.
- Medications may become necessary if yeast remains even after taking above measures. Antibacterial mouthwash, lozenges etc can be used to deal with the yeast infection.
- Patients having denture stomatitis should avoid smoking and alcohol.