What is a common sign of denture-related stomatitis?

A common sign of denture-related stomatitis is gingival swelling. This condition often arises due to the presence of irritants such as denture material or poor hygiene practices, which can lead to inflammation of the gingival tissues. The swollen gums may appear red and can be tender to the touch, indicating an inflammatory response to the accumulated microbial film or possible fungal infections, commonly candida, that thrive in the warm, moist environment under the denture.

While oral dryness, increased plaque accumulation, and foul breath can be associated with other oral health issues, they are not the primary indicators of denture-related stomatitis. Oral dryness can occur due to various reasons like medication side effects or systemic conditions, while increased plaque accumulation is more of a general oral hygiene issue rather than specifically indicative of stomatitis. Foul breath is often associated with poor oral hygiene or infections but lacks the characteristic swelling of the gingival tissue that is specifically related to denture use and the subsequent irritation it can cause.