Redness of the palate under a denture with petechial and whitish areas
Causes
- 90% of cases due to Candida albicans, 9% other Candida species, and 1% Klebsiella
- Poor denture hygiene
- Night-time wear of dentures
- Trauma
- Increased intake of sugary foods
Clinical features
- Mild inflammation and redness under denture
- Petechial and whitish areas in severe cases
- Burning sensation but no pain or tenderness
Differential diagnosis
- Acrylic allergy
Investigations
- Exclude diabetes, i.e. blood glucose
MANAGEMENT
- Remove dentures at night
- Improve denture hygiene by soaking in hypochlorite cleanser (10 drops of household
bleach in a denture cup or container filled with tap water) and brushing fitting surface with a soft
brush - Replace ill-fitting dentures
- Reduce sugar intake
- Nystatin suspension 100,000 IU/ml 6 hourly