Denture stomatitides is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the mouth caused by dentures. Its pronunciation is den-tyur sto-muh-tuh-dahy-deez, and it is spelled phonetically as /ˈdɛn.tjʊər stəʊˌmæ.tɪtɪdiːz/. The word is plural, denoting multiple occurrences of the condition. This condition is commonly seen in older adults due to the frequent use of dentures. Dentists and oral health professionals recommend regular cleaning and maintenance of dentures to prevent the onset of denture stomatitis.
Denture stomatitides, also known as denture stomatitis or denture-related stomatitis, refers to inflammation and infection of the oral mucosa (the moist lining of the mouth) that is caused by wearing dentures. This condition is characterized by the presence of redness, swelling, and ulceration typically located underneath the dentures or in the areas of the mouth in contact with them.
Denture stomatitides is a relatively common condition, primarily affecting individuals who wear full or partial dentures, especially those who do not maintain proper oral hygiene or do not regularly remove and clean their dentures. The underlying mechanism is believed to be irritation and microtrauma caused by prolonged and continuous pressure exerted by the dentures on the oral tissues, facilitating the colonization and overgrowth of microorganisms, particularly Candida, a type of yeast. The resulting infection can contribute to the development of inflammation and subsequent tissue damage.
The symptoms associated with denture stomatitides may include discomfort, pain, difficulty in wearing dentures, bad breath, and the presence of red, swollen, or ulcerated areas, particularly in the central or posterior portions of the palate, the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge that supports the teeth), or underneath the dentures.
Treatment for denture stomatitides typically involves a combination of measures aimed at providing relief from symptoms, managing the infection, and improving oral hygiene. This may include adjustment or replacement of ill-fitting dentures, proper cleansing and disinfection of dentures, antifungal medications, and meticulous oral hygiene practices. Regular dental check-ups are also important to monitor the health of the oral tissues and ensure the effective management of this condition.
The word "Denture Stomatitides" is derived from two primary words: "denture" and "stomatitides".
1. Denture: The word "denture" originated from the Latin word "dentis", which means tooth. It refers to a removable device that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissues. This term was first used in the early 19th century.
2. Stomatitides: The word "stomatitides" is the plural form of "stomatitis". It comes from the Greek word "stoma", meaning mouth, and the suffix "-itis", indicating inflammation. Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the oral mucous membranes, which can be caused by various factors.