Etiologic factors in denture sore mouth syndrome

A total of 24 patients, 19 women and 5 men, complaining of denture sore mouth was studied. In part I the following investigations were performed: (1) Mechanical factors were evaluated. (2) Temperature was measured beneath the prosthetic denture. (3) Yeast cultures were made. (4) Patch tests with possible allergens were performed on the buccal mucosa and on the skin of the back. In all these investigations there were no significant differences from the results obtained in a control group. In part II the connection between psychological factors and denture sore mouth was explored. Test results of the denture sore mouth group and a matched control group were compared. The obtained data suggest that complaining behavior concerning somatic symptoms in general, on a neurotic base, is a psychological characteristic of denture sore mouth patients.