Denture-Induced Stomatitis - Denture-induced stomatitis

Denture-Induced Stomatitis

What Is It?

Denture-induced stomatitis is usually seen in people who wear dentures. But other people also can get it. It is common in older people. Other names are denture stomatitis, denture sore mouth and chronic atrophic candidiasis.
Denture-induced stomatitis is related to one or more of these:

Dentures that don't fit well (especially if they are worn while you sleep)
Poor denture-cleaning habits
A build-up of the yeast Candida albicans, which can cause an infection
Denture-induced stomatitis can appear in several ways. Some people have no symptoms. In some cases, the area under the upper denture becomes inflamed or swollen. Other people have a more widespread, somewhat painful inflammation. Some have red, pebblelike sores on the roof of the mouth. This is known as papillary hyperplasia.

Denture-induced stomatitis occurs more frequently with upper dentures. This may be because the top denture covers a larger area than the bottom denture, and is held in place with more suction power. The fit of dentures also can make a difference. If they don't fit right, yeast can build up underneath.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing this condition. So are people with weakened immune systems. They are more likely to be infected with Candida.

Symptoms

People with denture-induced stomatitis often don't have any symptoms. Tissues under the denture may appear redder than usual. Sometimes there are small red sores on the roof of the mouth. Dentures may not fit properly. It may hurt to put dentures in or take them out. There may be white patches in the mouth. These can be a sign of candidiasis (thrush).

Diagnosis

At each regular visit, your dentist will examine your dentures to make sure they are clean and fit right. He or she also will examine your mouth. Your dentist may ask you:
If you ever feel pain in your mouth
If your dentures are comfortable
How often you clean your dentures
How often you wear your dentures
Your dentist may suspect denture-induced stomatitis if the area under your dentures is swollen or sore or you have bumps on the roof of your mouth. Your dentist may test whether your mouth has a Candida yeast infection. This involves wiping the affected area with a cotton swab. The swab is placed in a special solution that is sent to a laboratory.

Expected Duration

Denture-induced stomatitis can last for years if it is not treated. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention

Your dentures and mouth need daily care, even if you no longer have any natural teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up on your dentures. This will irritate your mouth and gums. Remove your dentures every night. This relieves pressure on your mouth. It also allows saliva to clean your mouth.
To prevent denture-induced stomatitis and other denture-induced irritations, you should:

Visit your dentist at least once a year. Your dentist may have you return to the office more frequently. It depends on the condition of your mouth and your overall health. People who use tobacco or alcohol should visit the dentist more often than once a year.
Make sure your dentures fit properly. The fit of your dentures can change over time. Visit your dentist if your dentures don't feel right.
Visit your dentist if your dentures are damaged. Don't try to fix them yourself.
Rinse your dentures after meals.
Clean your dentures every night with a cream or paste. Soak them overnight in water.
Soak your dentures in an effervescent solution once a week.
Brush and floss your remaining teeth. If you have no natural teeth, rinse your mouth with water regularly.

Treatment

If your dentures do not fit properly, your dentist will repair or replace them. Your dentist will show you how to clean your dentures and mouth. He or she also will show you how to massage the inside of your mouth to help keep it healthy. You may need medicine to treat infections in your mouth. Your dentist also may suggest rinsing your dentures in an antimicrobial or antifungal solution. Your dentist will write you a prescription. While the denture-induced stomatitis is being treated, use your dentures as little as possible.

When To Call A Professional

Call your dentist if your dentures crack, break or splinter. Do not wear them until they are fixed. Call your dentist if your dentures no longer fit properly or if it hurts when you put them in or take them out. Finally, call your dentist if the area under your dentures is swollen or sore.

Prognosis

The outlook is excellent with proper treatment.