Denture-related stomatitis is a common condition where mild inflammation and redness of the oral mucous membrane occurs beneath a denture.
[2] The appearance of the involved mucosa is erythematous (red) and edematous (swollen),[4] sometimes with petechial hemorrhage (pin-points of bleeding).
[2] The major risk factor for the development of this condition is wearing an upper complete denture, particularly when it is not removed during sleep and cleaned regularly.
The local environment under a denture is more acidic and less exposed to the cleansing action of saliva, which favors high Candida enzymatic activity and may cause inflammation in the mucosa.
[4] There is controversy as to whether this condition represents a true infection by C. albicans or just a reaction to the various micro-organisms present underneath a denture.
[1] Poorly fitting dentures may cause pressure on the mucosa and mechanical irritation may create a similar clinical appearance, but this is uncommon.
Tissue biopsy is not usually indicated,[2] but if taken shows histologic evidence of proliferative or degenerative responses and reduced keratinization and epithelial atrophy.
Substances which are used include solutions of alkaline peroxides, alkaline hypochlorites (e.g. hypochlorite, which may over time corrode metal components of dental appliances), acids (e.g. benzoic acid), yeast lytic enzymes and proteolytic enzymes (e.g. alcalase protease).
The other aspect of treatment involves resolution of the mucosal infection, for which topical antifungal medications are used (e.g. nystatin amphotericin, miconazole, fluconazole or itraconazole).