Prevalence and risk factors associated with denture-related stomatitis in healthy subjects attending a dental teaching hospital in North Jordan.

UNLABELLED

There is scant information regarding the prevalence of denture-related stomatitis (DRS) in Jordan.

AIMS

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of DRS in a group of healthy Jordanian subjects wearing removable complete dentures, and to investigate for the factors that may be associated with this infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 300 complete denture patients attending a dental teaching centre in North Jordan for replacement dentures were examined thoroughly for the presence of DRS. Demographic data, including denture-wearing habits, duration of denture usage and smoking, were also obtained. Oral mucosal tissues were examined for signs of denture trauma. Dentures were assessed for plaque accumulation.

RESULTS

Of the 300 subjects examined, 175 were male and 125 were female. The overall prevalence of DRS in males and females was 52% (157/300). Increased plaque deposits (plaque indices 2 and 3) were significantly more prevalent in subjects with severe forms of DRS (p<0.01). Dentures that were more than 20 years old were located in the group of subjects with grade 2 and 3 infections. A total of 86% of patients with DRS complained of denture trauma compared to 10% of subjects with healthy mucosa, and 87% of the DRS group wore dentures continuously day and night. A total of 70% of subjects with grade 3 DRS were heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes/day).

CONCLUSION

Local factors studied contributed significantly to the development of DRS in healthy subjects and are important factors to be considered in the pathogenesis of this infection.