🦷 Denture Stomatitis
Denture stomatitis (also called denture-related stomatitis or chronic atrophic candidiasis) is a common inflammation of the oral mucosa underneath a denture, typically caused by Candida yeast overgrowth and/or poor denture hygiene.
🧬 Causes:
- Candida albicans infection (most common)
- Poor oral or denture hygiene
- Wearing dentures overnight
- Ill-fitting dentures causing trauma
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- High sugar intake or smoking
- Immunosuppression (e.g., diabetes, HIV, steroid use)
👄 Symptoms:
- Redness and inflammation under the denture (especially upper denture)
- Usually painless
- May have mild discomfort, burning, or soreness
- Bad breath or altered taste
- In some cases, visible white patches (if Candida overgrowth is severe)
📋 Types (Newton’s Classification):
- Type I: Localized inflammation or pinpoint redness
- Type II: Diffuse erythema (generalized redness under the denture)
- Type III: Granular or nodular inflammation (especially the palate)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Based on clinical appearance
- Microscopic smear or culture may be done to confirm Candida
- Check for underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes)
💊 Treatment:
🧼 Hygiene Measures:
- Remove dentures at night
- Clean dentures daily with non-abrasive cleanser
- Soak dentures in antifungal solution or chlorhexidine
- Rinse mouth after meals and before bed
💊 Medications:
- Topical antifungals (e.g., nystatin, clotrimazole lozenges)
- Systemic antifungals (e.g., fluconazole) in severe or resistant cases
⚙️ Denture Adjustment:
- Reline or remake ill-fitting dentures
- Consider soft liners for comfort