Behavior of Denture Stomatitis in Adults Over 45 Years of Age

Introduction: Denture stomatitis is a commonly used term to refer to mucosal alterations in the oral cavity of denture-wearing patients. Objective: To describe the behavior of denture stomatitis in adults over 45 years of age. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on patients belonging to Medical Office 131 of the "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" Hospital, Pinar del Río, from January 2022 to December 2023. The population consisted of 479 patients, and the sample included 85 patients selected by non-probabilistic expert criteria sampling. An interview and clinical examination were conducted for all patients. Absolute and percentage frequencies, Chi-square, and Odds ratio were used as summary statistical measures. Results: Type II stomatitis predominated in female patients over 60 years old. All grade III patients had been using dentures for 8 years or more. Incorrect use of dentures, ill-fitting dentures, and poor oral hygiene were the predominant risk factors. Inadequate knowledge levels were most common in patients aged 77 and older. Conclusions: In the studied population, type II denture stomatitis predominated in female patients over 60 years old, which was associated with incorrect use of the prosthetic device, poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, lack of replacement for more than 4 years, continuous use, and insufficient knowledge about their care and management, which worsens with age.