Denture sore mouth
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Get it checked – it may be denture stomatitis
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Treatment of denture stomatitis
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Good oral health is key to cure
What is denture stomatitis (Thrush)?
From time to time we come across patients who have denture stomatitis – often known as thrush.
It is caused by a yeast or fungus called candida, and it’s not an infection that we get or pass on to others because we all have some candida in our mouths.
Thrush can appear in other parts of the body, but when it affects the mouth of denture wearers, it is called denture stomatitis.
Denture-related stomatitis is the most common form of oral candidiasis. It is more common in seniors, and in those who wear a complete upper denture.
Denture sore mouth, medical term denture stomatitis
Who is most likely to get denture stomatitis?
Denture wearers are most likely to be affected, along with people who have problems keeping their mouth clean.
Diabetics and anyone who takes steroids, either through inhalers or by mouth, may also have problems.
Some antibiotics are also responsible for causing thrush.
How can I recognise denture stomatitis?
The stomatitis is often hidden underneath the denture and is usually seen as a red, sore area of tissue. Normally pink tissue appears inflamed.
There may also be red sore areas at the corner of the lips and the condition can cause bad breath.
Some patients report their dentures feel as if they are irritating their mouths.
Why does denture stomatitis need treating?
If untreated, the condition can cause soreness in the mouth and may lead to poorly fitting dentures in the future.
How is denture stomatitis treated?
- Good oral hygiene – It is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible and rinse your mouth and dentures after meals. Smoking encourages the growth of further yeast infections.
- Keeping your dentures as clean as possible and during the flare-up, keep them out of your mouth as much as possible, and definitely overnight.
- Some yeast infections will clear up completely if you don’t wear your dentures at night for two weeks. Clean your dentures by brushing, soaking and then brushing again. We recommend using a soft toothbrush so you do not damage the material of your dentures. You can also soak your dentures in a solution to sterilise them. We’ll be happy to advise. Those with dentures having metal parts, definitely need to seek advice from us as the wrong solution can damage the prosthetic.
- Medication is possible if good oral hygiene therapy has failed . . . just ask our clinical staff.
Battery operated Sonic Denture Cleaning machine
Denture deep cleaning – can we help?
Some people get a build-up of tartar on their dentures just as they would on their natural teeth, and you will struggle to remove this yourself. Our laboratory has a deep cleansing machine that will have you dentures looking like new in just a few minutes. Call us to book in for this while-you-wait cleaning service.
We also sell the battery operated Sonic Denture Cleaning machine that will help with daily maintenance. We would recommend; however, a soft toothbrush is used in conjunction with this device.
How long does denture stomatitis last?
The entire infection usually lasts between seven and ten days.
