Candida, mutans streptococci, oral hygiene and caries in children

Objective: to test the association between Candida and mutans streptococci (ms), oral hygiene and caries levels and in children. Methods: 22 boys and 12 girls (age 6 to 14.5 years) participated in the study. Each participant received a toothbrush, and was asked to brush his/her teeth after proper instructions. Dental caries and oral hygiene were recorded. Candida and ms levels were determined in saliva samples. Results: Candida colonies were observed in 70.5% of the children. No association was found between Candida and caries or plaque and gingival indices. C. albicans-positive children demonstrated significantly higher brushing scores. Conclusions: Our findings may suggest that there is no clear association between Candida in saliva, and levels of cariogenic bacteria and caries risk in children.