What is a common cause of candidiasis in individuals who use dentures?

A common cause of candidiasis in individuals who use dentures is leaving dentures in overnight. When dentures are not removed, the warm and moist environment created between the dentures and the mucosal surfaces in the mouth provides an ideal breeding ground for the yeast organism Candida. This can disrupt the natural balance of oral flora, leading to an overgrowth of Candida and the development of candidiasis.

Maintaining proper denture hygiene, such as removing the dentures at night and cleaning them thoroughly, is essential to prevent this condition. By leaving dentures in continuously, especially during sleep when saliva flow decreases, the risks of fungal infections increase significantly.

Inadequate oral hygiene practices can exacerbate the situation, but the specific issue of overnight wear is particularly critical because it contributes directly to the conditions that favor Candida overgrowth. Other factors, like dietary choices and smoking, can influence overall oral health but are not as directly linked to the risk of candidiasis specifically associated with denture use.