Salivary Candida, caries and Candida in toothbrushes

Background: Candida species are common inhabitants of the normal oral microbiota. A few studies founded a relationship between high levels of Candida albicans in the oral cavity and high DMF scores. Toothbrushes can also be reservoirs of microorganisms, the proliferation of these microorganism on a toothbrush could be a major factor for its distribution in the oral cavity. Aim: To examine the associations between salivary Candida and DMF, and between salivary Candida and Candida in the toothbrush. Method: 46 healthy school children, who attended a University pediatric dental clinic, were tested for Candida in their saliva and in their toothbrush. Their DMF was recorded. Results: 38 children were Candida-positive (79.2%), out of whom 5 demonstrated a positive growth of Candida in the toothbrushes. No correlation was found between Candida in the saliva and in the toothbrush. The number of Candida-positive girls was significantly higher than the number in boys. No significant relationship between caries experience and the presence of Candida was found. Conclusions: No correlation was found between Candida in the saliva and in the toothbrush. The origin of the Candida in the toothbrush is not totally clear.