Posted on 3/3/2025 by Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry
Denture stomatitis is a common condition that affects denture wearers. It is an inflammation of the tissues that support the dentures, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, soreness, burning, and itching. In some cases, it can also lead to infection.
What Causes Denture Stomatitis?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to denture stomatitis. These include:
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Poor denture fit: Dentures that do not fit properly can rub against the gums and irritate them.
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Poor denture hygiene: Dentures that are not cleaned properly can accumulate bacteria and other microorganisms, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
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Dry mouth: Dry mouth can make it difficult to keep dentures clean and can also contribute to inflammation.
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Smoking: Smoking can irritate the gums and make it more difficult for them to heal.
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Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can make people more susceptible to denture stomatitis.
Symptoms of Denture Stomatitis
The most common symptoms of denture stomatitis include:
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Redness of the gums
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Soreness of the gums
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Burning or itching of the gums
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Pain when wearing dentures
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Dry mouth
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Bad breath
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Loss of taste
Diagnosis of Denture Stomatitis
Denture stomatitis can usually be diagnosed by a dentist or other healthcare professional based on a physical examination. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions.
Treatment of Denture Stomatitis
The treatment for denture stomatitis will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is poor denture fit, the dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. If the cause is poor denture hygiene, the patient will need to improve their denture cleaning routine. If the cause is dry mouth, the patient may need to use artificial saliva or other products to keep their mouth moist. If the cause is smoking, the patient will need to quit smoking. In some cases, antifungal or antibiotic medications may be necessary to treat an infection.
Prevention of Denture Stomatitis
There are a number of things that denture wearers can do to prevent denture stomatitis, including:
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Keeping dentures clean: Dentures should be brushed at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner. They should also be soaked in a denture-cleaning solution overnight.
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Maintaining good oral hygiene: Denture wearers should brush their natural teeth and tongue at least twice a day and floss daily.
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Seeing a dentist regularly: Denture wearers should see a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
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Quitting smoking: Smoking can irritate the gums and make it more difficult for them to heal.
Conclusion
Denture stomatitis is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to see a dentist or other healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms of denture stomatitis. With proper treatment, denture stomatitis can usually be resolved.
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Denture stomatitis is a common condition that affects denture wearers. It is an inflammation of the tissues that support the dentures, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, soreness, burning, and itching. In some cases, it can also lead to infection.