If you wear dentures and regularly develop cracks, redness or soreness at the corners of your mouth, you may be dealing with angular cheilitis.
Angular cheilitis is a common condition that causes inflammation at one or both corners of the mouth. It can be uncomfortable, persistent and frustrating, especially when the underlying cause is not addressed.
For denture wearers, the fit and height of the dentures can sometimes play an important role.
Here is what you should know.
What Is Angular Cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is inflammation of the skin at the corners of the mouth.
It may affect one side or both sides and can range from mild redness to painful cracking and irritation.
Common symptoms include:
- Redness at the corners of the mouth
- Cracking or splitting of the skin
- Tenderness or burning
- Dry or crusted skin
- Bleeding
- Soreness when opening the mouth
- Recurrent irritation that seems to improve and then return
In some cases, the area may also become infected with yeast or bacteria.
Why Can Denture Wearers Develop Angular Cheilitis?
There are several possible causes, but one important factor in denture wearers is the relationship between the upper and lower dentures.
If the dentures are worn down, poorly fitting or no longer provide enough vertical height, the corners of the mouth may fold inward more than they should.
This creates a small crease where saliva can collect.
That warm, moist environment can irritate the skin and make it easier for yeast or bacteria to grow.
Worn Dentures Can Contribute
Dentures do not last forever.
Over time, the denture teeth can wear down. Changes in the gums and jawbone can also affect how the dentures fit and how the upper and lower teeth come together.
If the dentures become too short when the mouth closes, the face may appear slightly collapsed around the mouth.
Signs may include:
- Deeper folds at the corners of the mouth
- A reduced distance between the nose and chin
- The appearance that the jaw is closing too far
- Cracking at the corners of the lips
- Changes in chewing or bite
In these situations, simply treating the skin may not solve the underlying problem.
Saliva Can Make the Problem Worse
Saliva is essential for oral health, but constant moisture on the skin can cause irritation.
When saliva repeatedly collects at the corners of the mouth, the skin can soften and break down.
Once the skin becomes cracked, the area can become more susceptible to infection.
Some people may also unconsciously lick the corners of their mouth because they feel dry or irritated, which can make the problem worse.
Is Angular Cheilitis Caused by Thrush?
Sometimes.
Candida, the same type of yeast associated with oral thrush, can contribute to angular cheilitis.
Bacteria may also be involved.
However, angular cheilitis is not always caused by an infection. Denture fit, moisture, skin irritation and other health factors can all contribute.
This is why recurring angular cheilitis should be properly assessed rather than repeatedly treated without determining the cause.
Other Factors That Can Increase Your Risk
Denture problems are only one possible cause.
Other factors may include:
- Dry mouth
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Diabetes
- Reduced immune function
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Frequent lip licking
- Skin conditions
- Poor oral hygiene
- Oral thrush
If the condition keeps returning despite proper denture care, your dentist or physician may want to investigate other possible causes.
How Is Angular Cheilitis Treated?
Treatment depends on what is causing it.
A physician or dentist may recommend or prescribe:
- Antifungal medication
- Antibacterial medication
- A protective barrier ointment
- Treatment for an underlying medical or nutritional condition
It is important not to assume that every cracked corner of the mouth requires the same treatment.
If the problem is related to the dentures, treating the skin without correcting the denture problem may only provide temporary relief.
Your Dentures May Need Adjustment
If your dentures are contributing to angular cheilitis, your denturist may evaluate:
- How the dentures fit
- How the upper and lower teeth come together
- Whether the teeth have become excessively worn
- Whether the dentures provide enough facial support
- Whether the bite has collapsed over time
Depending on the situation, treatment may involve:
- Adjusting the dentures
- Relining the dentures
- Re-establishing the bite
- Replacing worn or older dentures
A proper denture assessment can help determine whether the problem is related to the dentures themselves
Denture Hygiene Is Important
Good denture hygiene is especially important if yeast is contributing to the problem.
Dentures should be cleaned thoroughly every day, and the tissues underneath them should also be kept clean.
Whenever possible, dentures should be removed while sleeping to give the tissues a chance to rest.
If you are being treated for a fungal infection, make sure you follow the instructions provided for cleaning your dentures as well. Otherwise, microorganisms remaining on the denture surface may contribute to the problem returning.
Avoid Constantly Licking the Area
It can be tempting to lick cracked or irritated lips, but this usually makes things worse.
Saliva evaporates quickly from the skin and can leave the area even more irritated.
Keeping the corners of the mouth clean and using a recommended protective barrier is generally more helpful than repeatedly wetting the area with saliva.
When Should You See Your Denturist?
Consider having your dentures assessed if you notice:
- Recurring cracks at the corners of your mouth
- Your dentures feel loose
- Your bite feels different
- Your denture teeth appear significantly worn
- Your face looks more collapsed around the mouth
- You are using increasing amounts of denture adhesive
- Your dentures are several years old
- Angular cheilitis keeps returning despite treatment
These symptoms do not automatically mean your dentures need to be replaced, but they are good reasons to have them evaluate
The Bottom Line
Angular cheilitis is more than simply dry or cracked lips.
For denture wearers, it can sometimes be a sign that the dentures are worn, poorly fitting or no longer maintaining the proper distance between the upper and lower jaws.
Treating the irritated skin may help temporarily, but recurring angular cheilitis often requires identifying and correcting the underlying cause.
If you are experiencing recurring cracks or soreness at the corners of your mouth, contact Bonnie Doon Denture Clinic to have your dentures and bite assessed.