The denture hygiene, denture stomatitis and role of dental hygienist

Denture induced stomatitis (DIS) affects a large number of denture wearer patients, particularly elderly people. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of DIS among a sample of denture wearers attending a teaching hospital, in relation to denture hygiene level and method, age, gender, objective and subjective severity of the lesion.

A total of 71 denture wearers were systemically interviewed and clinically examined by the same operator of their oral mucosal health and the denture hygiene practice. A questionnaire, including 20 questions was used in this study.

The results showed an incidence of DIS in both arches of 62% with no difference between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Denture hygiene within patients was good by 21.1%, of the sample, fair by 43.6% and poor by 35.2%. Another finding proved the incidence of DIS to be higher (Rev-1 + Rev-2) in elderly patients and a significant association was found between the presence of DIS and denture hygiene habits and sleeping with dentures (P < 0.05), with no differences related to gender.

Results indicated that the predisposing factors to DIS are associated with the method of denture hygiene methods and use of denture while sleeping.

Dentists and dental hygienists should bear the responsibility by routinely providing post-placement denture hygiene instructions to educate and motivate the patient.