Denture-related oral lesions among complete denture wearers: A descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: Denture-related oral lesions (DROL) are particularly common among completely edentulous patients. These oral lesions can be a source of complaints for denture wearers. Aim: The objective of this descriptive study was to determine the prevalence of oral lesions related to wearing of complete removable dentures among complete edentulous patients, and to assess risk factors associated with the occurrence of these oral lesions.

Research Method: A questionnaire was drawn up. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi software for Windows version 13.0. The charts were made using Microsoft Office Excel.  The univariate logistic regression analysis explores each risk factor separately, and then the multivariate analysis was made to analyze all the qualitative variables. The α risk was set at 5%, so any value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Findings: The prevalence of DROL was 60,61% among complete denture wearers(40/66), with denture stomatitis being the most frequent (50%), followed by hyperplasia, epulis and ulcers (17.5%), flabby ridge (12.5%), and angular cheilitis (5%). Logistic regression identified continuous denture wearing (adjusted OR = 88.24; 95% CI: 4.40–1768.96; p = 0.003) and tobacco use (adjusted OR = 176.09; 95% CI: 9.07–3416.08; p < 0.001) as the most significant risk factors. Poor prosthetic hygiene, sex and salivary flow were not significantly associated with DROL (p > 0.05).

Originality: Denture stomatitis was the most common oral lesion among complete denture wearers. Major risk factors included poor denture hygiene, tobacco use, and overnight denture wear. Enhancing hygiene practices and reducing both tobacco use and continuous denture wearing could significantly improve oral health in denture wearers.