Factors influencing the occurrence of denture stomatitis in complete dentures wearers

Abstract

Introduction: Denture stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the soft oral tissues that occurs in denture wearing patients. Numerous factors have been proposed to have possible influence on the occurrence of denture stomatitis. Most relevant are: the age of denture, oral and denture hygiene, overnight wear of dentures, smoking habits, presence of Candida and other microorganisms. Goal: The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence the occurrence of denture stomatitis in patients with complete dentures. Material and methods: The research involved 60 patients with complete dentures, residents of a nursing home facility. They were asked to answer a couple of simple questions regarding their age, the age of dentures, cleaning method, smoking habits and overnight wear of dentures. Afterwards a clinical examination of the oral cavity was made, followed by plaque assessment and statistical analysis. Results: Denture stomatitis was observed in 46,7% of complete denture wearers. The age of dentures, level of denture hygiene and overnight wear of dentures, have proven to be significant factors in the occurrence of denture stomatitis. Conclusion: Denture stomatitis was more frequently found among patients with old dentures, poor cleaning habits and among those who wore their dentures overnight.