Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS) is a fungal infection affecting 60–65% of denture wearers. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial and often associated with host immunodeficiency. Evidence exists that vitamin D has potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this case–control study was to assess the association between vitamin D levels and CADS. The study included 32 complete denture wearers with CADS and 32 sex- and age-matched complete denture wearers without CADS. The patients were clinically examined, and the severity of denture stomatitis was assessed according to Newton’s classification scale. The serum vitamin D level was determined via the use of an electrochemiluminescence assay. The vitamin D level in the CADS group and control group was 54.68 ± 17.07 and 56.82 ± 17.75 nmol/L, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.622). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of CADS was not associated with hypovitaminosis D (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.37–5.54). It can be concluded that vitamin D is not associated with CADS and does not play a significant role in host susceptibility to CADS. This finding suggests that vitamin D screening is not indicated routinely in patients with Candida-associated denture stomatitis.

Smile Esthetics-Related Quality of Life questionnaire might have practical validity when applied in esthetic dental clinical procedures.

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Biological therapy of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) carries an increased risk for the development of opportunistic infections due to immunomodulation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of oral infections in IBD patients treated with biological (anti-TNF-α and anti-integrin-α4β7) and conventional medication protocols. The study included 20 IBD patients receiving anti-TNF-α therapy, 20 IBD patients receiving anti-integrin-α4β7 therapy and 20 IBD patients without immunomodulatory therapy. Participants completed questionnaires on medical information, oral lesions and symptoms. For each patient, clinical examination and a salivary flow rate test were performed, followed by a swab of the oral mucosa. The swab samples were cultured to identify Candida spp. and oral bacteria. No bacterial opportunistic infections were detected. Candidiasis was detected in four participants, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.765). Hyposalivation was most common in the anti-TNF-α group, with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.036). There were no significant differences between groups in self-reported oral mucosal lesions and symptoms (p > 0.05), or in the distribution of oral mucosal lesions (p > 0.05). This study suggests that IBD patients receiving biological therapy are at no greater risk of developing oral opportunistic infections than IBD patients not receiving immunomodulatory therapy.