What You Need To Know About Denture Stomatitis
Those At Risk Of Developing Denture Stomatitis
This condition doesn’t happen to everyone with dentures, but the likelihood of it’s development is dependent on several factors.
- Denture wearers are at the highest risk of developing this infection, as complete dentures cover the top palate of the mouth and partial dentures cover sections of the gums, both of which give bacteria and biomatter a place to gather. People who wear complete dentures are more likely to develop denture stomatitis than those who wear partial dentures
- People with poor oral health are likely to develop oral thrush as this infection is largely caused by a buildup of plaque and other food particles which can be controlled with regular tooth brushing and flossing.
- People who take steroids are also at increased risk of developing oral thrush whether their steroids are taken orally or through inhalers.
- Some antibiotics can also cause denture stomatitis, especially when the antibiotics are taken for a long period of time.
- Decreased immunity can also contribute to the risk of developing oral thrush, as those most likely to develop infection are young children, people over 60, or people who are immunocompromised. Suppressed or underdeveloped immune systems lead to greater risk of infections.
Signs And Symptoms Of Denture Stomatitis
Some symptoms of infection are:
- Red, bumpy area under the denture
- Red, sore areas at the corner of the lips
- Creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheek, tonsils, throat, or roof of the mouth
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth
Since denture stomatitis causes a the roof of the mouth to develop bumps, it can affect how a denture fits, leading to discomfort and irritation from rubbing, as well as a loose fit since complete dentures rely on the suction of the top denture to the roof of the mouth to stay in place.
Treatment
Along with consulting with your doctor or dentist, there are some steps you can take to get rid of your oral thrush:
- Maintain Good Oral Health Habits. The main form of prevention and treatment are the same: a proper oral health routine. This includes brushing and flossing any natural teeth as well as brushing the gums and tongue with a soft bristled brush. Doing this will help get rid of plaque as well as stimulate the gums.
- Practice Denture Hygiene. The dentures should also be cleaned nightly with denture cleaning solution and a soft bristled brush.
- Let Your Mouth Breathe. Make sure to take your dentures out before you go to bed and leave them to soak in warm water at night. You should also take them out for a few hours during the day.
- Take Medication. If improved oral health doesn’t get rid of the infection, there are treatments available. Most of the medication for this infection involves sucking on a specially formulated lozenge that fights infection.
Top Quality Denture Services At Future Smiles Denture Clinic
If denture stomatitis is making your dentures uncomfortable, contact your denture clinic. Your Calgary denturist will be able to give suggestions to make your denturing wearing experience more comfortable while you heal and may be able to make adjustments to your dentures for a more comfortable fit. Future Smiles Denture Clinic in Calgary can complete denture readjustments while discussing your denture and oral health habits to ensure that your smile is being properly cared for. To speak with the staff at Future Smiles in Calgary, you can visit the SW Calgary Denture clinic on Macleod or the NE Calgary location in Coral Springs. To book a free consultation with Future Smiles Denture Clinic, either call 1-403-908-9926 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: Is denture stomatitis contagious?
A: No, this infection does not spread from person to person.
Q: How do I know if my complete dentures fit right?
A: The easiest way to know if your complete dentures fit properly is to have the fit assessed by your denturist. A general rule of thumb for complete dentures is that the top one should suction smoothly to your gums while the bottom one should stay securely in your mouth. Your dentures should not cause sore spots in your mouth and they should not move around when you eat or speak.
Q: I’m looking for affordable denture solutions. What options do I have?
A: At Future Smiles Dentures Clinic, we know that Calgarians are looking for low-cost, stress-free denture payment plans. This is why we offer affordable denture solutions, including direct billing and financing.
