What Is Denture Stomatitis?

Anybody who wears dentures may get denture stomatitis. This problem comes with the inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues beneath a denture. Learning its signs, causes, and treatments can help you maintain a healthy smile. Here, we will tell you all you need to know about it and also give solutions to prevent it. So, read on to learn more.

What Is Denture Stomatitis?

It is a common condition that often develops under the upper denture, where the fit may create a moist environment that leads to the growth of bacteria and yeast, particularly Candida. If you wear dentures all the time, especially overnight, you are more likely to get it.

What Does Denture Stomatitis Look Like?

They are red and swelling areas on the soft tissues that are in direct contact with the denture. The most common visual signs include:

Small, scattered spots in mild cases.
Widespread redness or a uniform, inflamed appearance across a larger area in severe cases.
Sometimes, the tissues may look shiny or feel slightly tender.

Note: These visual signs often come with subtle changes, like dryness or a burning sensation. Plus, searching for denture stomatitis pictures can help you recognize how it looks.

Denture Stomatitis Symptoms

They are not often accompanied by noticeable pain, that’s why you may remain unaware you have it until the symptoms get worse. If you wear dental prosthesis in Phoenix, don’t ignore these denture stomatitis signs:

Redness
Swelling
Burning Sensation
Dryness or Sensitivity
White Patches
Bad Breath or Taste

Recognizing these signs early can help you prevent the condition from worsening. So, don’t forget to have a regular checkup every 6 months.

Denture Stomatitis Causes

Many different factors can cause this problem, many of which are linked to hygiene, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions. Knowing the causes can help you to prevent this problem. The most common causes are:

Infrequent or improper cleaning.
Continuous denture wear especially during sleep.
Dentures that don’t fit properly can rub against the soft tissues.
Food debris accumulation under the dentures.
Dry mouth
Smoking
Underlying health issues like diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Long-term use of antibiotics.
Allergic reaction to denture materials.

Denture Stomatitis Types

It falls into three types. It depends on the severity and appearance of the symptoms. Learning each type can help you choose the right treatment. Here are the most common types:

Localized Redness

These appear as small, isolated patches of redness in specific areas under the denture. An ill-fitting denture can often lead to this problem. It is the mildest form and you can treat it with adjusting the denture fit or improving cleaning habits.

Generalized Redness

In this type, redness spreads across a larger part of the tissue that is in contact with the denture. The inflammation often covers most of the upper palate. Wearing dentures all the time without giving your mouth a break or inadequate cleaning can cause this problem. It is more noticeable because of its widespread redness.

Pebbly Red Bumps (Nodular Stomatitis)

This is the most severe form and appears as multiple red, raised bumps, typically on the roof of the mouth (palate). Chronic inflammation and prolonged irritation can lead to this problem. This type may need a more aggressive treatment, including antifungal medication, professional denture adjustments, or even denture replacement.

Denture Stomatitis Diagnosis

Our dentists do the following to diagnose denture:

Check the affected areas for any signs of redness, swelling, or other signs of inflammation visually .
Assess denture fit to identify potential pressure points and if the denture isn’t fitting well.
Take a swab from the inflamed tissue to recognize infection

In some cases, our dentists use biopsy of the affected tissue to rule out more serious conditions.

Moreover, we consider other potential causes of the symptoms like allergic reactions to denture materials, irritation, or other oral infections. A differential diagnosis is a good way to ensure the treatment plan targets the main cause of the problem.

Denture Stomatitis Treatment

The treatment options depend on the type and severity of dentures. Here are the most common treatments for denture stomatitis:

Antifungal Medications

If you get a yeast infection, dentists give you antifungal medication to eliminate the overgrowth of Candida denture stomatitis. These medications have different forms, including oral rinses, tablets, or topical gels. In more severe cases, you may need systemic antifungal drugs to address widespread infections.

Denture Adjustment or Replacement

Poor fitting dentures can lead to stomatitis. Dentists may adjust the dentures to improve their fit and minimize irritation. If your dentures are damaged, they may replace it to ensure optimal comfort and hygiene.

Management of Underlying Health Issues

If you have conditions like diabetes, a weakened immune system, or dry mouth, you are prone to get stomatitis. Treating these health issues can improve the effectiveness of other treatments and prevent recurrence.

Temporary Denture Removal

In severe cases, dentists may remove your dentures for a while to allow the tissues to heal. During this time they use alternative treatments, like antifungal applications or tissue-soothing rinse to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.

Denture Stomatitis Treatment at Home

Many people tend to manage stomatitis at home and avoid going to the dentist. They use common remedies like soaking dentures in over-the-counter cleaning solutions, rinsing the mouth with saltwater, or applying topical antifungal creams. These measures can provide temporary relief, but can’t often eradicate the problem. You better not rely on home remedies and visit a skilled dentist to ensure a thorough examination, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plan.

Denture Stomatitis Prevention

To prevent stomatitis you need a combination of good hygiene, proper denture care, and regular dental visits. Let’s see how to prevent this problem:

Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria.
Don’t use regular toothpaste, because they can damage the denture surface.
Soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain overnight.
Remove dentures at night and give them a break.
Ensure they fit you properly.
Try to clean the soft tissues of your mouth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Avoid Smoking and quit smoking if possible.
Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth.
If you have conditions like diabetes or dry mouth, you better manage them effectively.
Visit the dentist regularly to identify problems early and prevent minor issues from becoming worse.

Is Denture Stomatitis Painful?

Stomatitis doesn’t come with significant pain, and that’s why you don’t notice it in its early stages. You may experience no discomfort at all in mild cases. But, if the condition gets worse, you may notice symptoms like burning sensation, tenderness in the affected areas, or slight discomfort when eating or speaking. In short, on a scale of 1 to 10 pain level goes like:

1 to 3 for mild discomfort.
4 or 5 for severe cases.

Denture Stomatitis Treatment Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you’re in Phoenix, AZ, and need treatment for this dental problem, we can help you. Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans to ensure your oral health. If you still have doubts, make an online appointment right now for free consultation.

Denture Stomatitis: Let’s Recap

It might seem like a big deal, but don’t worry you can manage it with proper care. Regular denture cleaning, adjustments, and professional check-ups can help you with denture stomatitis management. At Atrium Dental, we help you maintain your oral health and confidence. You just need to call us at (480) 940-4321.