Salivary Candida Research Articles

Investigating the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antifungal potential of alcoholic and aqueous Eucalyptus extracts against salivary candida albicans (An in-vitro study)

Background: Eucalyptus extracts and derivatives are natural substances with potent antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the in- vitro effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antifungal activity of alcoholic and aqueous Eucalyptus extracts against Candida albicans, a common oral pathogen. Materials and Method: Ten isolates of Candida albicans were isolated from dental students’ salivary samples. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared from fresh Eucalyptus leaves using maceration. The sensitivity of Candida albicans isolates to various concentrations of Eucalyptus extracts ranging from 50 to 250 (mg/mL) was evaluated via agar well diffusion method, while the agar streaking method was used to assess the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). In addition, the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the MFC of the extracts was investigated. Results: The Eucalyptus extract-sensitive Candida albicans isolates showed an increase in inhibitory zone width with increasing extract concentration. Regarding their antifungal effectiveness, clear disparities were observed among extract concentrations. Against Candida albicans, the MFC for Eucalyptus alcoholic extract was 75 mg/mL, but the MFC for Eucalyptus aqueous extract was 200 mg/mL. Notably, 15% stevia and 5% sucralose did not affect the antifungal effects of the Eucalyptus alcoholic extract. The antifungal effectiveness of the aqueous Eucalyptus extract against Candida albicans was unaffected by stevia and sucralose concentrations of up to 1%. Conclusion: Significant antimicrobial action against Candida albicans is shown in Eucalyptus extracts. Results indicated that stevia and sucralose at specific quantities could be utilized as sweeteners for Eucalyptus extracts in an efficient manner without impairing the extracts’ antifungal activity.

The Oral Microbiome and Cross-Kingdom Interactions during Pregnancy

Pregnancy initiates a temporary transition in the maternal physiological state, with a shift in the oral microbiome and a potential increase in frequency of oral diseases. The risk of oral disease is higher among populations of Hispanic and Black women and those with lower socioeconomic status (low SES), demonstrating a need for intervention within these high-risk populations. To further our understanding of the oral microbiome of high-risk pregnant women, we characterized the oral microbiome in 28 nonpregnant and 179 pregnant low-SES women during their third trimester living in Rochester, New York. Unstimulated saliva and supragingival plaque samples were collected cross-sectionally, followed by assessment of the bacterial (16S ribosomal RNA) and fungal (18S ITS) microbiota communities. Trained and calibrated dentists performed oral examinations to determine the number of decayed teeth and plaque index. Initially, plaque from 28 nonpregnant women and 48 pregnant women were compared; these data showed significant differences in bacterial abundances based on pregnancy status. To further our understanding of the oral microbiome within the pregnant population, we next examined the oral microbiome within this population based on several variables. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Lactobacillus were associated with a greater number of decayed teeth. The composition of fungal communities differed between plaque and saliva, demonstrating 2 distinct “mycotypes” that were represented by a greater abundance of Candida in plaque and Malassezia in saliva. Veillonella rogosae, a common oral bacterium, was negatively associated with both plaque index and salivary Candida albicans colonization by culture data. This was further emphasized by in vitro inhibition of C. albicans by V. rogosae. Identification of interactions between the bacterial or fungal oral communities revealed that V. rogosae was positively associated with the oral commensal Streptococcus australis and negatively with the cariogenic Lactobacillus genus, suggesting V. rogosae as a potential biomarker of a noncariogenic oral microbiome.

The effect of nonnutritive sweeteners on the antifungal activity of black and green tea aqueous extracts against salivary Candida albicans an (in-vitro study)

Oral diseases, while largely preventable, pose a major health burden for many countries and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort and disfigurement. Mouth washing agents are an effective vehicle for antimicrobial compounds in reducing oral pathogens, managing dental plaque and maintaining proper oral health. Numerous plant extracts have been successfully incorporated into oral care products due to their antimicrobial properties, availability, and affordability. Tea plants and extracts are one of the most important natural compounds used in dental care products. The problem with tea extracts is their bitter taste, which could compromise their usage by people. So, it needs a kind of supplementation to be palatable, especially for the pediatric and geriatric populations. Hence a nonnutritive sweetener was added to tea extracts to suppress their bitter taste. This study aimed to determine the effect of nonnutritive sweeteners on the antifungal activity of black and green tea aqueous extracts against salivary C. albicans. The results showed that adding 1% of stevia and sucralose to the black and green tea aqueous extracts did not affect the antifungal activity against salivary C.

Salivary Candida albicans in asthmatic patients taking anti-asthmatic medication.

Anti-asthmatic medication makes the oral habitat susceptible to opportunistic infections like Candida, causing oral candidiasis. This study aimed to estimate salivary Candida Albicans in asthmatic patients taking anti-asthmatics medication. A prospective study was performed at the Oral Pathology and Microbiology Department of S.B. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Bidar, Karnataka, India, between June 2018 to November 2018. The research comprised a total of 100 individuals, 50 of whom were asthmatics, and 50 healthy controls who were age and sex-matched to the asthmatics. Saliva was collected for 5-10 minutes in a sterile container, and samples were transferred to the laboratory in cold chain conditions. Serial dilution was prepared for the saliva samples, and 50:1 standard dilution was inoculated on SAD (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) culture media by lawn culture method. Some part of the culture plate was inoculated with Candida organisms. 32 people had candida growth, and 18 individuals did not have any candidal development at all. 18 people were in the 400 CFU/ml group, and 32 individuals were in the 401 CFU/ml group, respectively. It was 0.000 in the 400 colony forming unit/milliliter group, and 27200 in the 401 CFU/ml group, with 0.00 being the median. There was a notable difference between study and control groups in terms of colony forming unit per milliliter (P=0.000). The growth of Candida in asthmatics patients is very high compared to healthy people. Anti-asthmatic medication makes the oral habitat prone to attack from opportunistic infections like oral candidiasis.

INGESTION OF CARIOGENIC FOODS, ORAL HEALTH AND ORAL MICROBIOTA OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Objective: To evaluate the relation between the ingestion of cariogenic foods by university students from African countries, the presence of dental caries and Candida spp. and the value of salivary pH. Methods: Transversal and analytic study, carried out at a Brazilian university. The ingestion of cariogenic foods was evaluated through a questionnaire and the rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth was determined (DMFT Index). To quantify the pH, an indicator strip was immersed in collected saliva. Identification of Candida spp. was carried out through a culture of the sample in CHROMagar Candida™. To analyze the data, we applied Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Qui-Square tests, considering a value of p < 0.05. Results: Out of 133 participants, 57.89% were Guinean, 20.30% had Candida spp. in their oral cavity and the majority ingested cariogenic foods and had a salivary pH of 7. The highest average in DMFT Index was observed among those who ingested dessert, chocolate and juice boxes. As for the ingestion of cariogenic foods among students with Candida spp. in their oral cavity, 44.44% and 33.33% ingested sweetened cookies and dessert once a week, respectively. The majority of participants who ingested dessert, chocolate, juice boxes and chocolate milk, regardless of frequency of ingestion, showed a pH of 7. Conclusion: In general, students, despite ingesting cariogenic foods, even with a weekly frequency, had low DMFT Index, adequate salivary pH and Candida wasn’t present.

Effect of fluocinolone acetonide (0.1%) treatment in oral lichen planus patients on salivary lactoferrin levels and Candida colonization: a prospective study

BackgroundAlthough topical steroids are an effective treatment for oral lichen planus, they can have suppressive effects on oral immunity and predispose the patients to Candida overgrowth. Lactoferrin is a crucial local immunity protein in the oral cavity with important antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate salivary lactoferrin secretion levels and Candida colonization in oral lichen planus patients treated with fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase.MethodsSaliva samples were collected from 15 oral lichen planus subjects who had never received topical steroid treatment prior to this study and 15 healthy volunteers to determine their salivary lactoferrin levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to investigate the presence of oral Candida species at baseline and 3 months after treatment with fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase. Statistical analysis was performed to compare lactoferrin secretion and Candida colonization levels between the groups using the Mann–Whitney U test for independent data or the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for paired data.ResultsThe salivary lactoferrin secretion level was not significantly different between the control group and oral lichen planus patients or between before and after treatment with fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase (P > 0.05). Candida was detected in 11 (73.33%) healthy volunteers, 8 (53.33%) oral lichen planus patients before treatment, and 9 (60%) oral lichen planus patients after treatment with fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase. There was no significant difference in Candida counts between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur study indicates that using fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase to treat oral lichen planus for 3 months did not affect salivary lactoferrin protein secretion or Candida carriage.Trial registration The trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR identifier: TCTR20200723002).

A call for further research on the relation between type 2 diabetes and oral candidiasis

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral candidiasis with salivary features, neutrophil function, and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twenty-nine individuals were included, 16 with T2D and 13 without the disease. The participants underwent clinical examination, neutrophilic function tests, fasting glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (A1c), stimulated and unstimulated saliva collection, and swab and exfoliative cytology. Salivary flow, pH, and total fungi count were evaluated on saliva, and identification of the Candida species was performed in saliva and swab samples. There was no difference in unstimulated salivary flow and pH of the stimulated and unstimulated saliva for participants with T2D and controls (P > .05). Individuals from both groups presented no candidal lesions. The salivary fungal growth in the T2D group was higher than that in controls (P < .05). Only individuals with T2D presented alterations in the neutrophilic functions (14/16; 87.5%; P < .05). There was no relationship between high A1c values and neutrophil dysfunction with the presence of Candida spp. in both saliva and mucosa (P > .05). High A1c level, reduction in neutrophil activity, salivary flow and pH, and increase in total salivary Candida spp. counts were not related to oral candidiasis in patients with T2D.

The Relationship Between Salivary Candida Albicans Colony Count and Blood Group Antigens in Dentistry Students

Background and Aims: Candida albicans is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal species in the oral cavity. To date, several studies have been investigated the various factors associated with oral candidiasis. On the other hand, it has been proven that blood types antigens lead to some infectious factors. This study aimed to evaluate Candida albicans colonies in the saliva of dentistry students based on their blood type to detect a relationship between blood group and incidence of oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 dentistry students were selected by a simple sampling method, including 100 individuals with blood type O and 100 with other blood types. The unstimulated salivary samples of all the participants were collected by spitting, cultured on Sabouraud medium, and then the isolated Candida albicans colonies were enumerated and recorded. Results: In the present study, samples comprised 77 males and 123 females, of whom 15.5% (31 individuals) carried colony-forming units &gt; 40. The mean of Candida albicans colonies in the individuals' saliva with blood type O was 21.55, and it was 10.68 in the other groups. Besides, the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in Candida albicans colony count between O positive and O negative blood groups. Conclusions: The result of this study showed a significant relationship between the number of Candida albicans colonies of saliva and the individual’s blood type.

Social, Psychological, and Behavioral Predictors of Salivary Bacteria, Yeast in Caries-Free Children

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a complex, multifactorial oral disease that is a major public health concern because it is prevalent, profoundly alters a child's quality of life, is difficult to treat effectively, and has a distressing tendency to recur following treatment. The purpose of the study was to examine social, psychological, and behavioral predictors of salivary bacteria and yeast in young children at risk for ECC. A sample of 189 initially caries-free preschool children was assessed for child stress physiology from salivary cortisol, child and family stress exposure, diet, oral health behaviors, and sociodemographic risks. Multiple logistic regression analysis was implemented to examine the associations between these risk factors and cariogenic microorganisms: mutans streptococci (MS), lactobacilli (LB), and Candida species. Higher baseline salivary cortisol (odds ratio [OR] = 6.26; 95% confidence level [CL], 1.69-23.16) and a blunted response to an acute laboratory stressor (OR = .56; 95% CL, .37-.83) were associated with an increased likelihood of elevated salivary MS (≥105 colony-forming units/mL) in caries-free children. Sociodemographic risk for cariogenic microorganisms was also found. Specifically, lower education attainment of the parent/primary caregiver was associated with children being more likely to carry salivary Candida species and elevated salivary MS; in addition, children from households with an unemployed parent/primary caregiver were more likely (OR = 3.13; 95% CL, 1.2-8.05) to carry salivary Candida species and more likely (OR = 3.03; 95% CL, 1.25-7.33) to carry elevated levels of MS and/or salivary Candida and/or LB. The impact of sociodemographic risk and stress physiology on cariogenic disease processes are evident prior to ECC onset. The findings provide novel data on the early onset of cariogenic processes in children and the importance of considering sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors when judging ECC risk. The findings provide valuable and novel findings that, pre-ECC onset, the caries disease process is explicable from a detailed assessment of behavioral, sociodemographic, and psychosocial stress variables.

Candida prevalence in saliva before and after oral cancer treatment

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown an increased prevalence of candidiasis in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, little is known of the effect the different cancer treatment modalities have on the oral Candida status. Objective and hypothesisThe objective of this study was to investigate the change in salivary Candida status of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients undergoing cancer treatment. The hypothesis was that cancer treatments change the oral microbial environment favouring an increase in the prevalence of more pathogenic non-albicans Candida (NAC). MethodsWe collected paraffin-stimulated saliva from 44 OSCC patients before surgery and after a minimum of 19 months of follow-up. Chromagar, Bichro-Dupli-test and API ID 32 C were used for identification of different Candida species and results were analysed statistically. ResultsAt both timepoints, 75% of samples were Candida positive with C. albicans being the most common yeast. NAC strains were present in 16% of the pre-operative samples and 14% of the follow-up samples. The NAC species found were C. dubliniensis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii (preoperatively only) and C. glabrata (at follow-up only). In 73% of the cases, the salivary Candida status remained unchanged. There was an 18% increase in the prevalence of candidiasis. However, the different treatment modalities did not statistically significantly affect the Candida status of the patients. ConclusionThe intraindividual prevalence of salivary Candida among OSCC patients seems to be stable and different treatment modalities have little to no effect on the salivary Candida status.

Oral health and Candida carriage in socioeconomically disadvantaged US pregnant women

BackgroundDespite the well-documented associations between poor maternal oral health and increased risk for adverse birth outcomes and dental caries in children after birth, prenatal oral health care is under-utilized, especially among the underserved population. In addition, oral Candida has recently been suggested as a potential culprit for children’s dental caries, with evident maternal contributions. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain epidemiological data on the oral health and oral Candida carriage in a cohort of underserved US pregnant women, and reveal factors associated with their oral Candida carriage.MethodsDemographic-medical-oral hygiene practice data were collected. Comprehensive oral examination was conducted. Caries status and plaque index were recorded. Oral samples (saliva, plaque and swab) were processed to identify Candida species and Streptococcus mutans by culturing-dependent and -independent methods. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with oral Candida carriage and caries severity.ResultsEighty-two socioeconomically disadvantaged women (48 pregnant and 34 non-pregnant) were enrolled. More pregnant women (79.1%) had > = 1 untreated decayed tooth when compared to their non-pregnant counterparts (47.1%) (p = 0.01). The average number of decayed teeth in pregnant and non-pregnant women was 3.9 and 3.1 (p > 0.05). Caries severity was positively associated with race (African American vs. white), plaque index and salivary Candida albicans level. C. albicans was the most predominant/abundant Candida strain, with cheek and tonsil as the most common colonized sites. The detection of C. albicans was 56%/56% in saliva and 40%/47% in plaque of the pregnant and non-pregnant groups, respectively. Study women’s oral Candida carriage is positively associated with hypertension [p = 0.03, odds ratio = 14.47(1.28, 163.51)], decayed teeth number [p = 0.04, odds ratio = 1.31 (1.01,1.69)] and salivary S. mutans level [p = 0.03, odds ratio = 4.80 (1.18–19.43)].ConclusionsSocioeconomically disadvantaged US women are in need of improved prenatal oral health, a large proportion of them have untreated decayed teeth and high carriage of oral Candida. Due to the observed significant association between the decayed teeth number and oral Candida carriage, providing oral health care during pregnancy (including limiting decayed teeth) will not only improve women’s oral health, but also present as a promising approach to reduce oral Candida carriage in women.

Correlation of Blood Glucose Levels, Salivary Glucose Levels and Oral Colony Forming Units of Candida albicans in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

The study aims to correlate salivary glucose, blood glucose levels and oral colony forming units of Candida albicans and to evaluate whether saliva can be used as noninvasive means to measure glycemic status in type II diabetics without the need for the invasive procedure. The study included 100 type II diabetic patients (group I) of both genders with age 40 years and above and100 healthy patients (group II), age and sex matched with the study group. Group I includes uncontrolled and controlled diabetics as groups IA and IB, respectively. Salivary glucose measurement was done using the enzymatic colorimetric method and blood glucose levels measured by doing venepuncture and centrifuged. The oral candidal carriage was calculated by incubation in Sabouraud's dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated aerobically for 48 hours. To compare the mean values Z test was applied. To determine the relationship between two variables Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. The salivary glucose levels showed a significant correlation with blood glucose levels. The salivary candida carriage was higher in uncontrolled as compared to controlled diabetics and healthy individuals. Positive correlation was obtained between salivary glucose and blood glucose in diabetics and candidal carriage has a positive correlation with blood glucose levels. This salivary glucose and blood glucose levels correlation confirms its use to find glycemic status in diabetic patients. The positive correlation of salivary glucose with blood glucose shows that it can be utilized as a noninvasive tool for monitoring glycemic status in diabetic patients.

Combined Dexamethazone/Chlorpheniramine Mouth Rinse Effect on Candida Albicans and sIgA in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration

Aim of study: Determine the level of salivary candida albicans and secrotory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) before and after combined Dexamethasone/chlorphinramine mouth rinse use. 65 patients with RAS were selected and divided randomly into 2 groups, study group consist of 45 patient informed to use the combined dexamethasone/chlorphineramine mouth rinse 4 timed a day for 10 days, and control group consist of 20 patients without mouth rinse. Candida albicans (colony forming unit/ml) and sIgA were measured at starting and after 10 days for all patients. The results showed that there is a significant increase in the number of candida albicans in study group (p value is 0.028) while in control group there is no significant difference in candida albicans (p value is 0.772). sIgA results showed no significant difference neither in study group (p value is 0.598) nor in control group (p value is 0.744). Despite these results there was no clinical adverse reaction observed regarding oral candidasis. Combined Dexamethasone/chlorphinramine mouth rinse is safe to use in treating RAS lesions for 10 days without the need for antifungal drug to be added to the combination.

Estimation of salivary Candida albicans counts in asthmatic adult patients taking anti-asthmatic medication for 3-5 years.

Background:Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of airways. The disease itself along with the principal medication used makes the oral cavity susceptible to most common opportunistic infection, i.e., oral candidiasis. There are many species of Candida causing oral candidiasis, but the most prevalent among them is Candida albicans. Hence, assessing C. albicans count in response to disease and its treatment is necessary. This enables us to educate asthma patients about side effects of medication and highlight the necessity for oral health care, thereby improving their quality of life.Aims:The present study aims to evaluate the effects of asthma and its medication on C. albicans count in saliva samples of asthmatic adult patients taking medication for 3–5 years and compare C. albicans count in saliva samples among cases and controls.Materials and Methods:Thirty asthmatic adults taking medication for asthma since 3–5 years' age ranging from 20 to 50 years and equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy participants were included in the study. In both groups, saliva was collected and inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar culture plates for estimation of C. albicans counts. C. albicans counts were assessed in colony-forming unit/milliliter.Statistical Analysis:Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact t-test were used.Results:The C. albicans count is significantly higher among asthmatics than healthy individuals.Conclusions:The present study concludes that there is increased candidal growth among asthmatics as compared to their normal healthy counterpart.

The Effect of Probiotic Yoghurt on the Frequency of Salivary Candida

The Effect of Probiotic Yoghurt on the Frequency of Salivary Candida

Prevalence of Candida albicans and carriage of Candida non-albicans in the saliva of preschool children, according to their caries status

Objective: This study was conducted to establish associations among the Candida carriage rate, the diversity of Candida species carried and the different caries status of preschool children.Materials and methods: Sixty-one children between 2 and 5 years of age were examined by a single expert examiner and were divided into three groups, the caries-free, moderate caries and severe caries groups, according to the criteria of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS). Saliva samples were obtained from the members of each group and were plated on Sabouraud agar plates to assess the Candida carriage rates. CHROMagar Candida medium was used for the preliminary screening. Biochemical testing or PCR/sequencing was conducted to identify the different Candida species in the samples. The differences observed were considered significant if the p value was <0.05.Results: The Candida carriage rate and the number of species of this fungus carried were higher in the group with the highest level of caries severity (p < 0.05). Whereas Candida albicans was the most predominant Candida species in the saliva of all of the children, C. dubliniensis was identified only in the most caries-affected group in addition to other rare species of Candida non-albicans.Conclusions: A high salivary Candida carriage rate and the presence of specific species of this fungus (such as C. albicans and C. dubliniensis) appear to be related to the severity of caries experienced by preschool children.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Probiotic and Herbal Oral Rinses against Candida albicans in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACTBackground: A growing number of dentists are embracing the philosophy that natural agents are better for children’s oral health. Knowledge of probiotics on host immune system has entered a new phase of research, and progression in this field is likely to offer novel means by modulating host immunity for prevention and treatment of a wide variety of oral diseases.Aim: To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of probiotics in reducing salivary Candida albicans counts with commonly used antimicrobial agents like 0.2% chlorhexidine and herbal rinse.Materials and methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 subjects aged between 6 and 14 years, for a period of 9 months. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups comprising 20 subjects in each group. Three oral agents were administered twice daily for a maximum period of 1 week. Candida albicans counts were recorded before and after intervention and the results were submitted for statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 software.Results: The change in mean log10 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ ml of C. albicans in groups A to C was 0.43 ± 0.72, 0.68 ± 1.05 and 0.22 ± 0.66 CFU/ml respectively.Conclusion: Data obtained from the study demonstrated that probiotic rinse was equally effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate rinse in reducing C. albicans counts after 1 week of intervention. Herbal oral rinse was least effective. Probiotic oral rinses have opened new horizons in improvement of oral health by maintaining healthy ecosystem. However, a longitudinal study with larger sample size needs to be undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects of probiotics and herbal agents.How to cite this article: Mishra R, Tandon S, Rathore M, Banerjee M. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Probiotic and Herbal Oral Rinses against Candida albicans in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):25-30.

Antimicrobial efficacy of two commercially available toothpastes on salivary Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: To assess and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of two commercially available tubes of toothpaste on salivary Streptococcus mutans , Lactobacillus, and Candida . Setting and Design: A total of 30 school children at the age of 4-6 years with decayed, missing, and filled teeth ≤2, subjected to similar dietary restrictions were randomly divided into two Groups A and B. Children in Group A were provided with Pediflor toothpaste and in Group B with Kidodent toothpaste. Saliva was collected for all the children and the baseline salivary count for Streptococcus , Lactobacillus, and Candida were recorded. The brushing technique was demonstrated and the students were asked to brush twice daily. Salivary bacterial counts were again assessed after 30 days and 60 days respectively. Statistical Analysis: The results were statistically analyzed using Friedmans test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results and Conclusion: The baseline means salivary S. mutans count significantly reduced from 58.4 to 12.67 in Group A and from 58.73 to 13.8 in Group B in 60 days ( P = 0.001). Similarly, Lactobacillus count reduced from 25.07 to 6.0 in Group A and from 26.60 to 6.13 in Group B in 60 days ( P = 0.001). Candida count was too less to be subjected to statistical analysis. Both Pediflor and Kidodent toothpaste showed a marked reduction of S. mutans and Lactobacillus at 30 and 60 days intervals. But there was no statistically significant difference between the two pastes.

Salivary Candida species carriage patterns and their relation to caries experience among yemeni children.

This study was carried out to assess the carriage rates, counts and species distribution of Candida in saliva of 6- to 12-year-old Yemeni children and relate that to their caries experience. One hundred eighty children were recruited. Oral hygiene and caries were assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index and dft/DMFT index, respectively. Detection and quantification of 4 Candida species in unstimulated saliva were performed using CHROMagar Candida medium. Data were analysed using regression analysis. Candida was detected in 60% of the children with a mean count of 923 ± 1875 CFU/ml. C. albicans accounted for 60% of the isolates and was the only species to be detected with more than 1000 CFU/ml. Non-albicans candida and unidentified species represented 16.3% and 23.1% of the isolates, respectively. One novel finding was that a significant proportion (38%) of the carriers harboured two or more species, which for the first time allowed the identification of four age-dependent carriage patterns (clusters). Another somewhat new observation was that carriage at ≥ 1000 CFU/ml in particular significantly correlated with caries in primary and permanent dentitions (r = 0.23 and 0.18, respectively) as well as a caries-active status (OR = 6.9). Interestingly, the C. glabrata cluster had significantly lower primary caries scores than other clusters. The findings substantiate claims of geographical variations in candida carriage and the relation between candida carriage and caries. The validity of carrier clusters and the use of 1000 CFU/ml as a risk marker should be further investigated.

Salivary carriage of Candida species in relation to dental caries in a population of Saudi Arabian primary school children

Abstract Aim Salivary Candida carriage patterns seem to significantly vary by geographical location. The aim of this study was to assess carriage of Candida species in saliva of primary school children in a Saudi population, and correlate it to their dental caries activity. Materials and methods A total of 270 children of both genders were recruited from six primary schools. Oral hygiene and dental caries were assessed using the simplified oral hygiene and dft/DMFT indices, respectively. Chromagar Candida medium was used to identify and quantify Candida species in unstimulated saliva samples. Results Seven percent of the subjects were caries free while 74% had high caries activity. Candida was detected in 63.3% of the children with a mean count of 1076 ± 1888 CFU/ml. Significantly higher carriage was observed in males (70% vs. 56%; P = 0.02). Candida albicans accounted for 69% of the isolates, while Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and unidentified species represented 11.8%, 5.5%, 2.3% and 11.4%, respectively. Twenty-five percent of the carriers harbored 2 or more species. Four carrier clusters were identified as described previously. Carriage status showed the strongest association with both d and D scores (P 1000 CFU was only seen in caries active subjects. Conclusions Asymptomatic oral carriage of Candida at high counts seems to be common among children from Arabia. Further evidence is provided here for the potential use of Candida counts for prediction of caries risk.