Patient with significant redness under their removable prosthesis. What could be the cause?

Correct answer: B. Candidiasis (denture stomatitis)

• A. Nicotinic stomatitis presents with a white, fissured/nodular palate from heat exposure in smokers, not the localized erythema under a denture base.
• B. Correct. Diffuse erythema confined to the denture-bearing area is the classic presentation of denture stomatitis (Candida-associated erythematous candidiasis).
• C. Poor fit can be a contributing factor/cause of denture stomatitis but does not itself describe the diagnosis of the redness — Candidiasis is the actual diagnostic answer for the erythematous finding.