 | Back | |||
| ||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Denture-Induced Stomatitis
Denture-induced stomatitis is usually seen in people who wear dentures. But people who do not wear dentures also can get it. It is also known as denture stomatitis, denture sore mouth and chronic atrophic candidiasis. The condition is found more often in older people Denture-induced stomatitis is related to one or more of these:
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. People who smoke and those who do not remove their dentures daily are at a higher risk of developing denture stomatitis.
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).
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:
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.
Denture-induced stomatitis can last for years if it is not treated. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure early diagnosis and treatment.
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:
If your dentures do not fit properly, your dentist may need to adjust, 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 also may give you a prescription for an antimicrobial or antifungal rinse for your dentures. While the denture-induced stomatitis is being treated, use your dentures as little as possible.
Call your dentist if:
Do not wear your dentures 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.
The outlook is excellent with proper treatment. You also must provide proper home care for your dentures. This includes removing them daily and keeping your mouth and dentures clean. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last updated October 6, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
© 2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. External website links provided on this site are meant for convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement. These external links open in a different window.