[The etiology of denture stomatitis from a gerontological-stomatological point of view]

The aetiology of denture sore is discussed from the aspect of changes in the keratinizing squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa that are caused by age and hormonal effects. An important rôle must be attributed to Candida albicans, the growth conditions for which increase in general with increasing age. Many cases of denture sore are, therefore, cases of candidiasis which may occur in a chronic, an acute and a pseudomembranous form. The improvement of oral hygiene and denture cleanliness is of prime importance to therapy.