Wobbly Denture Wobegone

If you have a removable dental appliance, there is a high likelihood that you will develop denture stomatitis. Stomatitis refers to inflammation.

The inflammation can appear as patches of small red sores or tiny bruise-like spots underneath the denture [bottom image].

We're not sure exactly what causes denture stomatitis, but we often see it in patients who have poorly-fitting dentures, have trouble keeping their oral tissues clean and don't remove their dentures at bedtime.


Some patients have bad breath, a stinging sensation or notice changes in their ability to taste foods.

Denture stomatitis typically affects patients who fall into two or more categories: they—

• are over 60 years old,
• wear a dental appliance including a partial or full denture,
• live in a nursing home,
• have type 2 diabetes,
• have an organ transplant or weak immune system,
• take steroids (orally or by inhaler) or antibiotics, or they
• receive cancer therapy.

Denture stomatitis isn't contagious. However, studies show that oral bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia, or they can travel through the bloodstream into artificial joints, the kidneys, and into the heart and contribute to a heart attack or stroke.

Denture stomatitis is easily treated by thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the denture, removing it at bedtime, and applying topical medications. A wobbly, ill-fitting denture can be stabilized with implants (metal posts surgically embedded into the jawbone).

If you notice anything unusual in your mouth, please call immediately and schedule an appointment. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to healthy teeth and body.

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.