Quick Answer: Denture stomatitis is a common, generally mild inflammation of the gum and mouth tissue underneath a denture, most often linked to denture fit, cleaning habits or wearing a denture continuously without giving the tissue a rest. It’s usually manageable once the underlying cause is addressed, but it’s worth having checked rather than left alone.
What Is Denture Stomatitis?
Denture stomatitis refers to redness, mild swelling or irritation of the soft tissue that sits directly under a denture, most commonly the roof of the mouth under an upper denture. It’s a fairly common condition among denture wearers and isn’t usually a sign of anything serious on its own, though it’s a signal that something about our denture fit or care routine may need attention.
What Does It Look and Feel Like?
The tissue under the denture may appear redder than usual, feel tender, or look slightly swollen. Some people notice it only when they take their denture out, since it often causes little to no pain and can go unnoticed for a while. Occasionally there’s a mild burning sensation or a change in taste.
What Tends to Cause It?
A few common contributing factors are generally recognised:
• Not removing the denture at night. Giving the tissue underneath a break from constant pressure and covering matters for keeping it healthy.
• A denture that no longer fits well. Over time, our gums and jawbone change shape, so a denture that fitted well when new can shift and rub differently later. Our guide on how long dentures last covers how fit changes over the years.
• Inconsistent cleaning. A build-up of plaque or residue on the fitting surface of the denture can irritate the tissue underneath. Our denture cleaning and maintenance guide covers a proper daily routine.
• Dry mouth. Reduced saliva flow, common with some medications or as we get older, can make the tissue more vulnerable to irritation.
Is It the Same as a Sore Spot?
Not quite, though the two can feel similar. A sore spot from a denture is usually a specific, localised area of rubbing or pressure, often from a recent change in fit. Denture stomatitis tends to be a broader area of redness across the tissue the denture covers, and is more closely tied to hygiene and rest habits than a single pressure point. If we’re not sure which we’re dealing with, that’s exactly the kind of thing worth having looked at rather than guessed at.
When Should We See Someone About It?
If we notice ongoing redness, soreness, or changes to the tissue under our denture that don’t settle, it’s worth having it checked rather than waiting to see if it improves on its own. This is especially worth doing if it’s been present for a while, if our denture is older, or if it’s uncomfortable enough to affect eating or wearing the denture comfortably.
Can It Be Prevented?
Good daily habits go a long way. Taking the denture out overnight, cleaning it properly each day, and having the fit checked periodically as our mouth naturally changes shape are the main things within our control day to day. If a denture no longer fits the way it used to, that’s worth raising with us directly rather than adjusting to it.
Talk to Our Team
If any of this sounds familiar, we’d rather take a look than have anyone put up with ongoing discomfort. Get in touch with our Launceston denture clinic or contact us to arrange a check.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Is denture stomatitis serious?
It’s generally mild and manageable, particularly once the underlying cause, such as fit or cleaning habits, is addressed. It’s still worth having checked rather than ignored, since ongoing irritation is a sign something needs attention.
Does denture stomatitis go away on its own?
It can improve once the cause is addressed, such as removing the denture overnight or correcting the fit, but it’s best assessed by a professional rather than assumed to resolve by itself.
Can poor-fitting dentures cause denture stomatitis?
Yes, a denture that no longer fits well is one of the more common contributing factors, since it can create ongoing friction or uneven pressure against the tissue underneath.
Should I stop wearing my denture if I notice redness underneath it?
Rather than making that decision ourselves, it’s best to have it looked at. In the meantime, taking the denture out overnight and keeping it clean are reasonable steps while we arrange a check.