In many cases, oral fungus known as candida existing in the mouth does not cause any adverse health effects. However, an overgrowth of candida can lead to a condition called denture stomatitis, which is also referred to as thrush.
People who wear dentures typically have a higher chance of developing thrush, which causes redness in the mouth and pain when swallowing. However, certain medical conditions (such as diabetes) and being lax about oral care can also lead to denture stomatitis.
Keep in mind that normal amounts of candida in the mouth are generally small, which means they fail to cause health issues. When candida exceeds normal levels in the mouth, doctors can provide medication that effectively kills the fungus and alleviates symptoms.
In this case, anti-fungal medications are highly effective at treating this condition. Patients may receive medication in the form of a lozenge, but prescription ointments can also be provided if symptoms affect the lips or the corners of the mouth.
While anti-fungal treatments work for the majority of patients, some people may not experience the same effects. In this case, doctors can use laser-treatment to eliminate oral fungus. In the event that small bumps form on the roof of the mouth as a result of wearing dentures, doctors may recommend traditional surgery to remove them.
Good oral hygiene can prevent thrush from causing symptoms in the future. This includes steps like:
It is also important to remove your dentures for at least eight hours each night, as wearing dentures for long periods can result in mouth sores. Because smoking decreases the body’s healing ability, it should also be avoided if you want to prevent future bouts of denture stomatitis.