Oral thrush is a common fungal infection that can affect anyone, but denture wearers can be at higher risk.
It can cause redness, soreness and irritation underneath dentures and may sometimes develop without obvious symptoms. The good news is that oral thrush is usually treatable, and there are several things denture wearers can do to reduce the chances of it returning.
Here is what you should know
What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush is an infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts in the mouth.
Under normal circumstances, Candida does not cause problems. However, certain conditions can allow it to multiply and cause an infection.
In denture wearers, Candida can build up on the denture surface and the tissues underneath it.
What Does Oral Thrush Look Like?
Oral thrush can appear differently from person to person.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red or inflamed gums underneath the denture
- Burning or tenderness in the mouth
- White patches on the tongue, cheeks or palate
- Cracks or soreness at the corners of the mouth
- An unpleasant taste
- Changes in taste
- General mouth discomfort
Some denture wearers have very few symptoms and may only notice that the tissues underneath their denture look unusually red.
Avoid brushing too aggressively. Scratching the denture surface can make it easier for plaque and stains to accumulate.
What Is Denture Stomatitis?
Denture stomatitis is inflammation of the tissues underneath a denture and is commonly associated with Candida.
It most often affects the palate underneath an upper complete denture.
The tissue may appear bright red or irritated, even when the patient is not experiencing significant pain.
Denture stomatitis is more likely when dentures are worn continuously, especially overnight.
Why Are Denture Wearers More Susceptible?
Dentures cover a large area of the gums and create a warm, moist environment where yeast can grow.
Several factors can increase the risk, including:
- Wearing dentures overnight
- Poor denture hygiene
- Dentures that no longer fit properly
- Older or heavily worn dentures
- Dry mouth
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Recent antibiotic use
- Certain medications
- A weakened immune system
The denture itself can also hold microorganisms on its surface, which is why treating the mouth without properly cleaning the denture may allow the problem to return.
Wearing Your Dentures Overnight Can Increase Your Risk
Your mouth needs a break from your dentures.
Removing dentures at night allows the tissues underneath them to recover and reduces the warm, moist environment that Candida prefers.
Whenever possible, dentures should be removed while sleeping unless your denturist or dentist has specifically advised otherwise.
Denture Cleaning Is Extremely Important
Proper denture hygiene is one of the most important ways to help prevent oral thrush.
Dentures should be cleaned thoroughly every day.
This generally includes:
- Brushing all denture surfaces with a denture brush
- Using a cleaner specifically designed for dentures
- Cleaning your gums, tongue and palate
- Rinsing dentures after meals when possible
- Removing dentures overnight
Avoid using regular abrasive toothpaste on dentures. Toothpaste designed for natural teeth can scratch denture materials, creating microscopic areas where plaque and microorganisms can accumulate more easily.
Denture Fit Matters Too
Poorly fitting dentures can move and rub against the gums, causing chronic irritation.
If the tissues underneath a denture are already irritated, they may be more vulnerable to infection.
A denture that once fit well can gradually become loose as the gums and bone underneath it change over time.
If your denture is frequently moving, causing sore spots or requiring increasing amounts of adhesive, it may be time to have the fit assessed.
A reline or replacement denture may sometimes be necessary.
How Is Oral Thrush Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity and the underlying cause.
A dentist or physician may prescribe an antifungal medication, such as a mouth rinse, lozenge or tablet.
For denture wearers, treating the mouth alone may not be enough. The dentures also need to be cleaned appropriately so they do not continue to harbour Candida and contribute to reinfection.
Always follow the cleaning recommendations for your specific denture material, especially if your denture contains:
- Metal components
- Soft liners
- Implant attachments
Some cleaning solutions that are safe for conventional acrylic dentures may damage other materials.
Don’t Ignore Persistent Symptoms
Redness or irritation underneath a denture is not always caused by thrush.
Other possible causes include:
- Poor denture fit
- Pressure spots
- Allergic or irritant reactions
- Trauma from the denture
- Other oral health conditions
If redness, soreness or white patches do not improve, the area should be professionally evaluated.
Can Oral Thrush Come Back?
Yes.
Oral thrush can return if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Common reasons for recurrence include:
- Continuing to sleep with dentures
- Inadequate denture cleaning
- An older or poorly fitting denture
- Persistent dry mouth
- Smoking
- Certain medications or medical conditions
This is why prevention and denture hygiene are important even after the infection has cleared.
When Should You See Your Denturist?
Consider having your dentures assessed if you notice:
- Persistent redness underneath your denture
- Recurring sore spots
- Burning or discomfort
- Cracks around the corners of your mouth
- Changes in denture fit
- A denture that has become difficult to keep clean
- Oral thrush that repeatedly returns
Your denturist can examine the fit and condition of your dentures and determine whether adjustments, a reline or replacement may be needed.
If an infection is suspected, you may also be advised to see your dentist or physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The Bottom Line
Oral thrush is relatively common among denture wearers, particularly when dentures are worn overnight, are not cleaned thoroughly or no longer fit properly.
Fortunately, it is usually manageable.
Good denture hygiene, removing dentures while sleeping, maintaining a proper denture fit and seeking treatment when symptoms appear can significantly reduce the risk of ongoing problems.
If you are experiencing persistent redness, soreness or irritation underneath your dentures, contact Bonnie Doon Denture Clinic to have your dentures and oral tissues assessed.