Abstract
Candida colonisation of the oral cavity increases in immunocompromised individuals which leads to the development of oral candidiasis. In addition, host factors such as xerostomia, smoking, oral prostheses, dental caries, diabetes and cancer treatment accelerate the disease process. Candida albicans is the primary causative agent of this infection, owing to its ability to form biofilm and hyphae and to produce hydrolytic enzymes and candialysin. Although mucosal immunity is activated, from the time hyphae-associated toxin is formed by the colonising C. albicans cells, an increased number and virulence of this pathogenic organism collectively leads to infection. Prevention of the development of infection can be achieved by addressing the host physiological factors and habits. For maintenance of oral health, conventional oral hygiene products containing antimicrobial compounds, essential oils and phytochemicals can be considered, these products can maintain the low number of Candida in the oral cavity and reduce their virulence. Vulnerable patients should be educated in order to increase compliance.
Highlights
The human oral cavity is a unique site, which becomes colonised with bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, viruses and even protozoa
Salivary hyperglycaemia is one of the main risk factors for Candida infection of oral cavity in patients with diabetes, more than 77% of whom suffer from oral candidiasis [84]
Up to 80% of esophageal infections in renal transplant patients were found to be due to Candida colonisation of the oral cavity and oral candidiasis [91,92]
Summary
The human oral cavity is a unique site, which becomes colonised with bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, viruses and even protozoa. The acquisition of these microflora occurs throughout life starting within 6 h of birth [1]. While bacteria form a major part of the oral microbiota, fungi, which form a small part of the oral microbiota cannot be ignored Among these fungi, Candida species are the most frequent colonisers in the oral cavity and have adapted to reside as a commensal. If the opportunity is given, Candida species can cause oral candidiasis, which usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals and those with predisposing conditions. For prevention and treatment, it is important to remove or alleviate the predisposing conditions
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