Thrush, often known as denture stomatitis (DS), is a localised oral illness brought on by yeast or fungus. An abundance of candida-type bacteria brings it on. The gingival and palate mucosa are both impacted by the non-communicable illness. Denture Stomatitis is also frequently referred to as “prosthetic stomatitis” and “denture sore mouth.”
Dentures and other dental appliances that rest against the oral mucosa can cause denture stomatitis, characterised by inflamed, swollen, and red tissue. Luckily, stomatitis is not contagious, and neither is it life-threatening.
The rough acrylic surfaces of dentures appear to have a special binding attraction for Candida species. Moreover, improperly fitting dentures can traumatise the tissue, causing injury that increases the risk of infection.
Poor hygiene encourages the growth of the common fungus by failing to completely remove all of the germs and debris generated on denture and tissue surfaces with daily brushing. Wearing dentures constantly significantly raises your chance of developing denture stomatitis.
Denture stomatitis affects many people using dentures. Biofilm and plaque collect near the base of the dentures in direct contact with the palate and gums. A wide range of bacteria and other microbes multiply quickly on the denture surface. Most dental studies indicate that the interaction between Candida albicans and other oral microorganisms causes DS.
External elements like the type of denture, what you eat, how you brush your teeth, etc., can also promote microbial growth and inflammation. The primary causes of mild to moderate DS include:
Healthcare providers examine your condition to diagnose denture stomatitis. When the pattern of redness and swelling closely reflects the shape of the dental appliance in touch with the tissue, the patient has denture stomatitis. DS occurs more frequently on the palate or roof of the mouth.
In most cases, additional testing is not required. However, microbiological swabs collected from the patient’s palate or the denture’s tissue side can provide a conclusive diagnosis. Specimens will test positive for the presence of yeast, the most prevalent of which is Candida albicans.
The initial therapy for denture stomatitis entails taking out the dentures at night and thoroughly cleaning the dental equipment with a mechanical device to get rid of plaque and debris accumulation.
Typically, antifungal medications like nystatin or miconazole are the initial line of defence. Lozenges are frequently used to administer these drugs. The dentist may suggest topical antifungal drugs to apply to the oral mucosa and denture-fitting surface in cases of denture stomatitis that have persisted for a long time. Oral antifungals can reduce fungus counts and temporarily relieve symptoms, creating a healing environment for the tissue.
If antifungal drugs do not relieve oral stomatitis, your dentist may use low-energy laser therapy. On the roof of their mouth, some patients grow tiny nodules. Your denture may be hampered by this and fail to fit properly. In these circumstances, your dentist could do a procedure to remove those nodules.
Making a habit of taking out your dentures before bed is the easiest way to prevent denture stomatitis. The air and saliva that help wash away germs and lessen the number of common fungi in your mouth must contact your oral mucosa.
Dentures can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, making it important to clean your dentures regularly. The easiest method is to mechanically remove plaque and film that can cause stomatitis using a soft-bristle denture brush and liquid soap or a paste designed specifically for cleaning dentures.
The agitation required to dislodge and wash away all of the debris of acrylic dentures is not produced by just soaking dentures in a cleaning solution.