Denture related oral lesions

April 7, 2025

Ina Alberts

Oral sores in denture users are frequent and require prompt attention, as they often need treatment.

DID YOU KNOW?

Oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers is common and should be given attention to when they arise as treatment is often called for. Have routine dental check-up’s even if you are a denture wearer and don’t have any natural teeth. Your dental professional will look for pathology and let you know when it’s time for a new denture. Professional cleaning of dentures are also recommended and can be done by a dental laboratory.

Cleaning tips

Allergic Reactions
Rarely, some people can be allergic to denture materials. If your mouth feels itchy or sore all the time, tell your dentist.
Red Bumps on the Roof of Your Mouth (Papillary Hyperplasia)
Caused by poor denture hygiene or wearing dentures 24/7. It’s usually linked to a fungal infection.
Tip: Clean your dentures daily and don’t sleep with them in. Your dentist can treat the infection and help with any tissue changes.
Burning Mouth Syndrome A burning feeling in the mouth without any visible cause. It can be related to denture fit, dry mouth, or other health issues.
Jaw Shrinkage (Bone Loss)
Over time, the bone under your denture can shrink, making the denture loose or wobbly.
Tip: You may need a denture reline or new denture to improve fit.
Gagging or Trouble Talking
If your denture feels bulky or loose, it can make you gag or affect your speech.
Tip: Don’t suffer in silence—your dentist can adjust it for better comfort.

Tips for Healthy Denture Use

- Clean your dentures every day with a soft brush, Sunlight liquid and/or denture cleaner (not toothpaste).
- Take them out at night to let your gums rest.
- Keep them in water when not in use.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if everything feels fine.

Other denture-Related oral lesions to Know About

Angular Cheilitis – saliva leakage at the corners of the mouth can result in Candida infection and/or a secondary infection of corners of mouth, especially in older patients with wrinkles in the areas.

Tip: Correct vertical dimension of denture and thicker labial denture flange can lessen wrinkles around mouth and make you less prone to this condition. Antifungal or antibacterial medicament might be prescribed by your dentist to treat the infected area.

Traumatic ulcer caused by a denture. The lesion has a yellowish floor, red margins and is tender.

Tip: Visit your dentist for an adjustment if an ulcer is noted. This kind of ulcer should clear within 7-10 days after the cause has been eliminated, if not a biopsy of area is recommended.

Friction keratosis – white patch caused by friction or prolonged abrasion.

Tip: Visit your dental for removal of the irritant.

Irritation fibroma – Asymptomatic pink nodule/ hyperplasia of connective tissue due to a local irritant or trauma.

Tip: Can be removed by conservative surgical excision.

Denture induces stomatitis – a well fitting denture cuts the underlying mucosa off from good salivary flow and the action of saliva resulting is a symptomless red area.

Tip: Your dentist might prescribe an antifungal medicament. Sleep without your denture(s) at night to give mucosa a rest and treat the denture and underlying tissue with the medicament.

Denture hyperplasia – granulomas (pale firm swelling) can form at the edge of a denture.

Tip: These overgrowths can be excised.