Salivary flow and oral health-related quality of life in edentulous denture stomatitis positive individuals: A randomized clinical trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The effects of different denture stomatitis (DS) management strategies on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and salivary flow (SF) in complete denture wearers remain unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this double-blind, parallel-group randomized clinical trial was to compare the effects of nystatin therapy and sodium hypochlorite denture hygiene on OHRQoL, salivary flow (SF), and DS severity in complete denture wearers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 complete denture wearers with DS were allocated to 2 groups: nystatin mouth rinse (GN) or a sodium hypochlorite (GSH0.25%)-based denture hygiene protocol. OHRQoL, SF, and DS severity were assessed at baseline and at 15 and 45 days, and data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (α=.05). RESULTS: Forty-seven participants completed the study. Significant improvements over time were observed in OHRQoL overall and domains related to masticatory function, social disability, and psychological discomfort (P≤.001), regardless of treatment, with no treatment-by-time interactions. SF remained stable over time, with no significant effects of treatment, time, or interaction (P>.05). DS severity decreased significantly over time (P<.001), with no significant differences between groups or interaction effects (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both therapies were associated with improved OHRQoL in complete denture wearers with DS. These improvements occurred alongside reductions in denture stomatitis severity, while salivary flow remained stable, suggesting a multifactorial process involving clinical and behavioral factors.