Palatal Inflammation and the Presence of Candida in Denture-Wearing Patients

Denture stomatitis (DS) is a common inflammatory reaction in denture wearers. The severity of palatal inflammation in DS is believed to be related to Candida colonization. The present study evaluated the presence of Candida at the palatal and the denture surface. The factors associated with DS were also investigated.

Eighty-two denture wearers were evaluated for DS based on Newton's classification. The samples were collected from palatal mucosa and the denture surface for Candida culture. The predisposing factors associated with DS were also assessed by questionnaire and by oral and dental prosthesis examination.

Thirty patients showed no signs of DS (36.59%), while 52 patients (63.41%) had DS. Candida was detected in 81.71% of all patients and specifically in 26.83% and 54.88% of non-DS and DS patients, respectively. The proportion of patients with a large amount of Candida at the palatal mucosa in the DS group (40.38%) was higher than in the non-DS group (26.67%) but not significantly different (P > 0.05). The amounts of Candida among the different Newton types also showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Candida was also detected on the denture surface of the non-DS (34.15%) and DS patients (57.32%). The amounts of Candida on the denture surface between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The predisposing factors related to DS included the absence of occlusal rest and poor denture stability (P < 0.05).

In this study, no association between the amount of Candida and DS was found. Mycological examination may be useful for the detection of Candida-induced DS and management. However, further study is required to establish a protocol for antifungal drugs prescription in the treatment of Candida-induced DS among the Newton type.