What is the recommended treatment for denture stomatitis?

• A. Topical antifungals for 2 weeks; soak dentures in chlorhexidine or nystatin; dentures out of mouth 8+ hours nightly
• B. Systemic antibiotics alone
• C. Immediate denture removal without antifungals
• D. No treatment is needed

Answer: (A)

Denture stomatitis is usually driven by a fungal overgrowth, most commonly Candida, on both the mucosa and the denture surface. Treating it effectively requires both addressing the fungal infection and disrupting the biofilm on the denture.

Using topical antifungals for about two weeks targets the yeast directly where it resides, helping clear the infection from the mucosa. Soaking the dentures in a disinfectant solution such as chlorhexidine or nystatin helps reduce the biofilm on the denture itself, lowering the chance of reinoculation of the oral tissues. Giving the mucosa time to rest by keeping dentures out of the mouth for at least eight hours each night further reduces irritation and allows healing to occur.

Relying on systemic antibiotics alone wouldn’t resolve a fungal infection, and removing dentures immediately without antifungals wouldn’t eradicate the yeast. No treatment would let the condition persist and potentially worsen.