Candida species colonization level in elderly angular cheilitis patients before and after denture replacement

A decrease in the vertical dimension of occlusion in elderly patients using very old dentures promotes colonization of oral Candida, resulting in angular cheilitis. Correction of the vertical dimension of occlusion by replacement of the dentures can reduce colonization of Candida and improve angular cheilitis lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the colonization of Candida in the angular cheilitis lesions of elderly before and after denture replacement to demonstrate the role of modification in vertical dimensions of occlusion on oral hygiene in the elderly. Twenty-four patients with complete dentures and angular cheilitis, who presented for denture replacement, participated in this study. Samples were taken from their lips and cultured before and 3 months after replacing their denture. The mean density of isolated colonies before and 3 months after denture replacement were compared using the Wilcoxon rank test. All samples were heavily colonized before denture replacement, though 3 months after using new dentures only few cultures were found to be positive. A statistical significant difference was obtained [Wileoxon rank test] between colonization of Candida species before and 3 months after denture replacement [P = 0.0001]. Results revealed that using dentures for long period of time may cause a decrease in vertical height This phenomenon caused a wide range in colonization of oral Candida species, which directly resulted in angular cheilitis, This could be prevented by using new dentures to improve oral health