Denture Stomatitis

What is denture stomatitis?

Denture stomatitis is a type of thrush that affects denture wearers. It refers to swelling and discoloration of the tissues inside your mouth, usually in areas where your denture covers your gums.

Denture stomatitis may make wearing dentures a painful experience. But there are treatments to cure the condition and steps you can take to keep denture stomatitis from coming back.

How common is denture stomatitis?

According to research studies, denture stomatitis affects up to 67% of denture wearers worldwide. People who wear full dentures are more likely to develop the condition than those who wear partials or implant-supported dentures.

What are the symptoms of denture stomatitis?

Denture stomatitis symptoms may include:

• Canker sores
• Cracks in the corners of your mouth (angular cheilitis)
• Pain when swallowing
• Soreness in your mouth or throat
• White or red patches on your tongue, gums, lips, inner cheeks or roof of your mouth

What causes denture stomatitis?

Candida — a type of fungus (yeast) causes denture stomatitis. It’s normal to have small amounts of Candida in your mouth. But when there’s an imbalance, the Candida can grow out of control and cause candidiasis (a type of fungal infection).

Candida albicans is the most common fungus that causes denture stomatitis. Less common funguses that may contribute to the condition include:

• Candida glabrata
• Candida krusei
• Candida parapsilosis
• Candida tropicalis

Risk factors for denture stomatitis

Some risk factors are preventable. These things cause fungal overgrowth that results in denture-related stomatitis:

• A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics
• Consuming beverages that contain alcohol
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or vaping
• Wearing your dentures for prolonged periods of time (like while you sleep)

Factors out of your control can also increase your risk for denture stomatitis, like:

• A weakened immune system
• Age (denture stomatitis occurs more often in people over 65)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Endocrine dysfunction

How is denture stomatitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers can identify denture stomatitis during a physical examination. They’ll ask you to remove your denture so they can check your gums for telltale swelling and patterns of discoloration.

To confirm your diagnosis, your provider might swab the inside of your mouth and send the sample to a pathologist for testing. The pathologist will look for the presence of Candida.

How is denture stomatitis treated?

Denture stomatitis treatment and management options include:

• Antifungals. Antifungal medications, like nystatin or miconazole, are usually the fastest way to heal denture sores. These medications come in different forms, including lozenges.
• Laser therapy. A dentist can use low-energy laser therapy to treat denture-induced stomatitis, especially when antifungal medications don’t work.
• Oral surgery. Some denture wearers develop small nodules on the roof of their mouths. This can interfere with your denture and keep it from fitting properly. Minor oral surgery can remove these nodules.

In addition to the above treatments, your provider may clean, polish and glaze your denture to prevent microorganisms from contaminating it. They’ll also check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to your appliance. In some cases, you might need a new denture. Your provider can tell you what’s best in your situation.

Complications of denture-related stomatitis

Left untreated, denture stomatitis can cause persistent irritation and soreness in your mouth. In some cases, constant inflammation can lead to ill-fitting dentures in the future.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Most people feel better within two weeks of starting denture stomatitis treatment. But this timeline can vary, depending on severity and whether you have an underlying health issue.

Can denture stomatitis be prevented?

You might not be able to prevent all cases of denture stomatitis, especially when underlying health conditions cause it. But following these tips can greatly reduce your risk:

• Avoid smoking and vaping
• Clean your dentures thoroughly before wearing them
• Leave your dentures out as much as possible while you’re healing
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Soak your dentures in denture solution every night (or in an antifungal solution if your provider recommends it)

What’s the outlook for denture stomatitis?

Denture-induced stomatitis is typically harmless and doesn’t cause any long-term consequences. But it can be very painful. Denture stomatitis can interfere with routine tasks like eating and speaking. This constant discomfort can eventually take its toll.

The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you’ll feel better. Prompt treatment also decreases the possibility of needing new dentures.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

It’s normal for denture wearers to experience gum irritation from time to time. But if you notice denture sores, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away. They can rule out more serious issues and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better.