Oral Candida albicans infection and dental caries in adults.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether Candida albicans infection may contribute to the development of the carious process. This study included six adult patients, three with oral C. albicans infection and three healthy subjects (Candida-negative). All participants exhibited moderate dental caries intensity, determined by the result based on DMFT index. Simultaneously, the activity of dental caries did not differ between the subjects. In addition, the accumulation of dental plaque assessed using the Plaque Index (Pl.I) was moderate in all individuals. Salivary glucose and pH values did not differ between the subjects. The results suggest that the influence of chronic Candida infection on the development of dental caries is uncertain.