What is an effective treatment approach for denture stomatitis?

• A. Topical antifungals for 2 weeks, soak dentures in nystatin or chlorhexidine, and keep dentures out of the mouth for at least 8 hours nightly
• B. Systemic antibiotics for 4 weeks
• C. Surgical removal of denture base
• D. Avoid any dentures cleaning; continue wearing dentures

Answer: (A)

Managing denture stomatitis centers on reducing Candida on both the mucosa and the denture while giving the tissues a chance to heal. The infection often persists because the denture is a hidden reservoir for fungal biofilm, so the plan combines antifungal therapy to clear the mucosa with steps to disinfect the denture itself and reduce exposure during sleep. Using topical antifungals for about two weeks directly decreases fungal load on the tissue. Soaking the denture in an antifungal solution like nystatin or in chlorhexidine helps break up and reduce the denture biofilm that can reseed infection. Keeping the dentures out of the mouth for several hours each night limits ongoing exposure and supports healing. Systemic antibiotics aren’t appropriate for this fungal condition, and surgical removal of the denture base isn’t indicated. This integrated approach targets both the infection and the denture-related reservoir to provide the most effective treatment.