RESUMO
There is scant information regarding the multifactorial aetiology of denture stomatitis [DS] in the world and, despite its frequency, associated factors are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors that may be associated with this lesion. A total of 70 edentulous patients, all wearing removable dentures, were divided into two groups. The test group comprised 43 patients with DS and the control group comprised 27 subjects with clinically healthy palatal mucosa. A thorough history-taking and physical examination were carried out; the subjects also answered a questionnaire. The serum level of vitamin A for each subject was assayed from a blood sample taken after the examination. This study showed a significant relationship between the incidence of DS and three major factors: denture age [in terms of years], the practitioner manufacturing the dentures [general dental practitioner versus dental hygienist], and the nightlong wearing of dentures. Also, the vitamin A serum level was low in 94.29% of all subjects [cases and controls]. Although many predisposing conditions were related to this situation, the most important risk factor was the continuous use of the dentures