Oral Candida albicans and its correlation with caries in children in vivo

Background/objectivesCandida spp. has been detected in the mouths with extensive carious lesions in adults as well as children with variable frequency in different geographical areas. In this study we evaluated the prevalence of candida spp. in the oral cavity of children of central India with and without dental caries.Method and materialsChildren (3–12 years) were examined for decayed, missing and filled teeth (deft/DMFT) scores. Children (n-25) having ≤3 score made control group while those (n-25) having score ≥4 made experimental group. Mycological examination was conducted on the collected saliva sample of selected children. Oral yeast colonization was assessed by culturing Candida albicans on suitable broth. Collected data was then statistically analyzed.ResultsThe CFU/plate of candida in experimental group was statistically higher than in control group children. Spearman's rank correlation (rs = 0.643) showed linear relationship of CFU/plate with deft/DMFT scores.ConclusionThis study showed the active role of C. albicans in dental caries in children of 3–12 years of age group in Indore city of central India.