Denture stomatitis: causes, cures and prevention

Removable dentures are worn by 20% of the UK population and two thirds of these individuals have denture stomatitis. Poor oral hygiene is commonplace among this group, as is smoking and xerostomia, which also contribute to the development of denture stomatitis. A complex polymicrobial biofilm is able to proliferate on the surface of denture materials and matures to form visible denture plaque. This denture plaque biofilm stimulates a local inflammatory process that is detectable clinically as erythema, and hyperplasia. Systemically, denture plaque represents a potential risk factor for systemic disease, in particular aspiration pneumonia. Respiratory pathogens have been detected in the denture plaque and overnight denture wear has been linked to an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. There is a general lack of evidence on the adequate management of denture stomatitis and we present a protocol for use in the primary care setting