Abstract

Candida-Associated Denture Stomatitis: Clinical Relevant Aspects

Andréa Araújo de Vasconcellos, Amanda Araújo de Vasconcellos, Rômulo Bomfim Chagas and Letícia Machado Gonçalves

Candida-associated denture stomatitis is a common fungal infection that affects removable denture wearers. Although Candida spp are considered commensal fungal in the oral cavity, changes in local and/or systemic predisposing factors related to the host conditions may lead to pathogenic form and cause disease. The clinical manifestations are usually associated with the predisposing factors, changing from no symptoms to severe pain and difficulty swallowing. The therapeutic strategies commonly adopted in the clinical practice are the use of topical and/or systemic antifungal, in addition to removing mechanically the plaque from denture surfaces and from underlying mucosa and giving instructions about the correct oral hygiene to the patient. In this context, considering the high prevalence of this disease, a review about the etiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations and therapy management of these patients is of utmost importance.