The prevalence of denture stomatitis and its predisposing conditions in an older Greek population.

BACKGROUND: Pathology related to complete denture-wearing will remain an important issue because of an increase in the ageing population.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and the risk factors for denture-related stomatitis in the edentulous maxilla of older patients with a maxillary complete denture.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and six patients treated in the Department of Prosthodontics of the Athens Dental School were interviewed and clinically examined. The results were analysed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS: Denture stomatitis was recorded in 39.6% of the sample (pinpoint hyperaemia: 17%, diffuse erythema: 16%, papillary hyperplasia: 6.6%). Chi-square tests recorded significant associations between denture stomatitis and the continuous use of dentures (particularly the diffuse erythema type), the increased duration of denture experience and the poor retention of the maxillary denture. Other significant associations were recorded between the increased age of the current denture and pinpoint hyperaemia, and the reduced frequency of denture cleaning and papillary hyperplasia. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that the most important risk factor for denture stomatitis was the continuous use of the denture.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of denture stomatitis was high in denture users. Although many predisposing conditions were recorded, the most important risk factor was the continuous use of the denture. Therefore, appropriate advice on denture maintenance should be provided.