Aetiology of denture sore mouth : yeasts and oral hygiene.

Abstract

PREFACE

Denture sore mouth is a localised inflammation of the oral mucosa seen quite commonly in patients wearing full or partial maxillary dentures.

Trauma and infection with yeast-like organisms are thought to be the most common causes of the inflammation but patients are occasionally told that they are allergic to the material (usually methyl methacrylate) of which the denture is made. It has been established that yeasts of the genus Candida are often isolated from the lesions and also that treatment with anti-fungal agents direct to the mucosa will effect resolution of the inflammation.

Clinically I have noticed that the inflammation often resolves rapidly, without treatment direct to the mucosa, if the dentures are left to soak overnight in dilute sodium hypochlorite solution. This would suggest that the yeasts are associated with the denture rather than the mucosa. If this is so it would indicate that denture sore mouth is the result of poor oral hygiene.

The investigations in this study were undertaken to determine 1. The association between yeasts present in the saliva, or adhering to the dentures, and denture sore mouth; and 2. The relationship between inadequate denture hygiene and denture sore mouth.